Category: Episodes

22 years after 9/11, our host and 9/11 First Responder, Paul Rieckhoff reflects on where we are as a nation, how far we’ve come, what we’ve gained, and what we’ve lost. And–if after all these years–America is now forgetting about 9/11.  He’ll also dig into parallels with the January 6th attacks, new sentences handed down to key leaders of the Proud Boys, Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville’s ongoing and terribly damaging blocks on the promotions of military leaders, how the Biden Administration is/isn’t responding, the loss of Jimmy Buffett and the return of NFL football and school for kids. And more.  And we replay some of our most unforgettable 9/11 conversations with 9/11 heroes and survivors Rob Serra, Richard Naviasky, Joseph Cammarata, Al Barry and Lila Nordstrom. 9/11 was a moment that changed everything for the entire world. And it’s a moment that is engrained in the DNA of Independent Americans and Righteous Media.  So at least here — we will never look away. We will never forget. We will honor those sacrifices and we will share the stories of the heroes that survived and the heroes that didn’t. Never forget is more than just a hashtag at Righteous Media. It’s what we do. It’s who we are.  Every episode of Independent Americans with 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. 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.  Go Deeper: Hear Paul’s full conversation with Rob Serra from Episode 2 of Independent Americans. Hear Rob’s full conversation with Richard Naviasky from Episode 1 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). Hear Rob’s full conversation with Joseph Cammarata from Episode 2 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). Hear Rob’s full conversation with Al Barry from Episode 15 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). Hear Rob’s full conversation with Lila Nordstrom from Episode 14 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). -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 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

Summer is almost over. But the hits just keep on coming. Bad ones. Like a new school shooting at the University of North Carolina, Senator Redneck’s ongoing blocks on military promotions, and a hurricane hitting the south. But some good hits keep coming too. Like Simon Biles winning a record 8th gymnastics championship, the return of football, and the epic end to the Little League World Series. It’s been a summer of highs and lows. Jerks and heroes. And our host, Paul Rieckhoff’s got a quick summer installment of the pod hitting on the GOP infighting to be #2 to Trump, why Chris Christie thinks independents are key to winning the New Hampshire GOP primary, how Senator Tommy Tuberville continues to screw our military, how this summer has been full of examples of role models–and full of examples of the opposite–and MUCH more. This might be the only show in America to cover (and contrast) Rudy Giuliani and Shohai Ohtani. No. We’re not like other political and news podcasts. And proud of it.  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.  –Check out Saint Javelin’s Javelin case coffee table auction Paul talked about on the show.  -Read the piece Paul talked about by Marc Polymeropoulos, John Sipher and Adam Kinzinger: Why Biden Must Send Ukraine the ATACMS It Needs — Now -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 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

Well, the first GOP debate is now history. And if you were on vacation or watching baseball, our Paul Rieckhoff has a quick and uniquely independent recap. He watched it so you didn’t have to. He sizes up the field—and Trump’s continued dominance in the polls. And how/if it all appeals to independents on any level.  He’s also got a quick update on Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville’s latest efforts to weaken our military, the breaking news out of Ukraine, the domestic terror attack you may have missed, why the Little League World Series shows the best of the summer (and America, and his favorite album of the summer. Take a break and get your quick independent hit on the news, politics and culture you need to know about. Without all the spin, blather and BS.  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.  -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 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

  August is steamy hot—and so is the news. Trump is indicted again, Senator Tuberville is making dumb moves again. And extremist domestic terrorists are threatening our peace and politicians’ lives again. So much for summer downtime, people. This is a time for focus. And as it all unfolds on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. And this summer is still, definitely a time to #StayVigilant.  Paul Rieckhoff is quickly breaking it down—so you can get up to speed, and head back to the beach.  And we flash back to a powerful and foreboding conversation from right after the fall of Afghanistan—two years ago this month. With Afghanistan war vet, humanitarian and then-maverick Republican Congressman Peter Meijer—who had just returned from a trip inside Afghanistan. He described the harrowing situation he saw on the ground, the policy failures that were unfolding, and predicted much of the dark future Afghanistan exists in today. This an inside look into how the decisions of two years ago created the Great American Betrayal of Afghanistan that continues to compound today.  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.  Original episode: Congressman Peter Meijer – Episode 130 – September 2, 2021 -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 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

The women’s World Cup is over for the US. But the summer is not. Hawaii is on fire. Billionaires are fighting each other. Trump has more indictments than any podcast has time to cover and finally President Biden has approved F-16s for Ukraine. This summer especially is a time to #StayVigilant.  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.  -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  As mentioned by Paul on the pod, check out The Gray Area with Sean Illing – The new crisis of masculinity. –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 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

Our wild and crazy summer of 2023 continues.  In case you haven’t heard, Trump has been indicted again. And that means it’s again, very much a time to stay vigilant. 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 42% 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.  –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 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

  We’re going inside some of the wildest and most important defense and national security stories of the summer with National Security Reporter for The Messenger and Marine Corps combat veteran, James LaPorta (@JimLaPorta). James joins us to take us inside the wild story of Marine Corps veteran Trevor Reed, released from a Russian prison in 2022, and recently wounded fighting in Ukraine. He’ll take us inside the VERY wild story of the American soldier who snuck inside a civilian tour group and ran across the demilitarized zone from South Korea into North Korea–vanishing like a UFO. He’ll take us inside the Pentagon, for a look at how Senator Tommy Tuberville’s antics are impacting real troops and families. And he’ll take us inside the military’s internal fight against nazi’s and other violent extremists trying to infiltrate our forces—to train up for dark things—and how his reporting led to him being added to a Nazi kill list and why the FBI came knocking at his door. James is one of the most hard-working and respected military and national security reporters in America.  James joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America. And he joined us for appearance in Episode 31, back on October 31, 2019 And Paul rips into the wild Congressional hearing on UFOs, the passing of World War Two Veteran and music legend, Tony Bennett, what it’s like to be in the crosshairs of baseless attacks from radical, right-wing media, and why he loves the music of Michael Franti.  Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this podcast that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -WATCH video of Paul and James’ conversation on YouTube. -Find #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. –Watch Paul’s latest weekly segment on MSNBC’s Deadline White House with Nicolle Wallace.  -Watch Paul’s latest segment on NewsNation LIVE with Marni Hughes.  -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Marine Corps fighter pilot Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) flew 89 combat missions. And ran one of the most-watched 2020 Senate races in America. She is a trailblazing combat veteran, a former Naval Academy professor and a mother of three. And now she’s a regular on MSNBC and leading the fight to protect women’s reproductive health and rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Roe decision. She’s a fighter, she’s one of our most popular guests, and she is back. Just in time to explain why the Pentagon is now the focal point for the biggest political fights in America.  Rieckhoff also covers #SenatorRedneck’s fake promise to vets, the hardest working leader in the world, and why Mets fans can inspire us all.  Be a leader. Not just a follower. Answer the call. Leave the herds. Declare your independence. Amy joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America.  Previous appearances by Amy: Episode 17 – July 25, 2019  Episode 178 – July 7, 2022 Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -WATCH video of Paul and Amy’s conversation. -Find #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Watch Paul’s latest segment on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace.  –Watch Paul’s latest segment on NewsNation Live with Marni Hughes.  -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Independence is what this nation was founded on. It’s the spirit of our national brand. It was what General—then President George Washington–was all about. It’s where we started, before our political landscape degraded into the dysfunctional and dangerous two party duopoly we have now.  And in his farewell address in 1796, Washington warned that one of the top risks of letting regional loyalties dominate loyalty to the nation as a whole was that it would lead to factionalism—a division of the country by region—or the development of warring political parties. Washington feared when Americans voted by party loyalty, rather than the common interest of the nation, it would foster what he called a “spirit of revenge”.  Here are his words. He warned: “They are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” Hamilton himself said parties were “the most fatal disease” of popular governments They were right then. And they are right now.  Independence is not a new thing. It’s an old thing. And essential thing. Maybe THE most essential thing. And the old is new again–because the old is eternal. Independence is eternal.  And we’ve seen it take many forms in America. From Washington, to Ross Perot, to Jesse Ventura, to Yemi Mobolade. And, in the senate, in 2006.  When a former candidate for vice president from one of the two major parties, left the party–to run for Senate (and win) as an independent. And go it alone–HIS WAY.  He is our guest today. He’s Senator Joe Lieberman (@JoeLieberman). He joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America.  Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -WATCH video of Paul and Joe’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. –Watch Paul on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace.  -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independence Day is now in the rear view mirror, and as summer heats up, we’re taking a much needed break. The engine that runs Righteous Media and Independent Americans needs a little tune up time at the beach. But before we take some time off we wanted to deliver you some fresh, high-quality and high impact listening. So as you head to the pool, or to the beach, or to work, wherever you listen, we are breaking out some of the very best of the bonus content, content that is normally just for our Patreon members. We’ll hear from amazing American authors Luke Russert, Matt Gallagher and Sebastian Junger about what they’re listening to, what they’re reading, their first car’s and more. They’re some of our favorites and after you listen we think you’ll hear why. And as the summer continues onward, we’ll be back with more great conversations with iconic American leaders that are shaping the future of our country. Subscribe now and be sure to never miss an episode. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -WATCH video of Paul and Luke’s full conversation. – WATCH video of Paul and Matt’s full conversation here. – WATCH video of Paul and Sebastian’s full conversation here. -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices