Category: Episodes

  America is also still at war at home. Against itself. The races for 2024 are already unfolding. And they look nastier than ever. And independents will be more important than ever.  And in no place will they be more important than in Arizona.  And that’s why we invited our guest in this episode to join us once again.  He’s the man who wants to be the next Senator from the state that elected John McCain. The state that recently elected Astronaut and Navy vet Mark Kelly. And the state that elected now self-proclaimed independent Kirsten Sinema.  He’s a Marine. He’s a Congressman. He’s a Democrat. And if you’re in Arizona and your an independent, he wants your vote.  He’s Congressman Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego). And he’s jumping way into this crazy train that is the 2024 election.  Congressman Ruben Gallego is a Democrat who represents the 7th District of Arizona and was first elected in 2014. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff, met him years before–when they were both advocates for veterans fighting for a new GI Bill back in 2007/2008.  He’s a community leader, and the son of Hispanic immigrants. He was the first in his family to attend college– graduating from Harvard University.  It’s another important, inspiring, iconic American–who is changing what America was, what it is, and what it will be. And it’s another conversation train stacked with 5 cars thaf drive everything we do on this show and from righteous media–the 5 i’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact.  Past appearance from Gallego: Episode 113 – May 6, 2021 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.  -If you’re facing mental health challenge, you are not alone. Many of us have been through it. And help is out there. Reaching out for help helps. And is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. Here are options to civilians and vets that everyone should save and share: https://www.crisistextline.org and https://www.veteranscrisisline.net Let’s all look out for each other. And #StayVigilant -Read Sarah Smallhouse’s piece in AZ Central: “Don’t like your choices in November? Then let’s fix Arizona’s broken election process”. -Learn more about Ruben Gallego’s campaign for Senate and decide for yourself.  -Join our Paul Rieckhoff and Independent Americans listeners from around the world on Zoom THIS AND EVERY FRIDAY at 12PM ET for a special and free lunch Q&A. We’ll celebrate the end of another crazy week, take your questions and share some community. -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 Ruben’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. -Find us on social media and 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  He’s gone from serving in the British Royal Navy as a lowly cook, to serving multiple presidents in The White House. From a troublemaking teen, to TV star, to entrepreneurial and philanthropic leader. He’s a truly great American immigration story. A truly great American business story. And a truly great American success story. And he’s here to chop it up with us in a way that is raw, hot and ready to serve.  He’s Chef Robert Irvine (@RobertIrvine)! As the presidential candidates from both sides continue to serve up their best, we’re gonna talk to a master about how he serves us his. And how you can serve up yours.  It’s another important, inspiring, iconic American–who is changing what America was, what it is, and what it will be. And it’s another conversation packed with the best ingredients–the 5 food groups that drive everything we do on this show and from righteous media–the 5 i’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. So pull up a seat at our table, and make yourself comfortable at our table, we hope you brought your appetite for a fun, and inspiring conversation–served up nice and hot.  Paul will also chop up the Nikki Haley news, hit on Ukraine, the latest attacks on independent voting rights, and reflect on an epic NFL season!  Welcome to our dinner table of conversation.  Welcome to a conversation with a chef who is serving up the best for America–far beyond food.  Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 210. Order up! Leave the herd. Declare your independence! 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.  -Join our Paul Rieckhoff and Independent Americans listeners from around the world on Zoom THIS FRIDAY (FEB 17th) at 12PM ET for a special and free lunch Q&A. We’ll celebrate the end of another crazy week, take your questions and share some community. -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 Chef Robert Irvine’s website–and his new book: Overcoming Impossible.  – Watch video of Paul and Robert’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. -Who won cause marketing in the Super Bowl? As mentioned in the pod, Paul broke down all the social impact commercials from the big game with CEO of Ethos and longtime social impact leader, Emily Kane Miller. From cancer to women’s sports to Jesus…there was a lot to talk about. Watch the fun conversation here.  -Find us on social media and 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Super Bowls are a time for leaders to step up. And for heroes to me made.  But they’re not real heroes. They’re football players. And most of them are not real heroes.  But a generation ago, there was a real hero playing in the Super Bowl.  A true legend. And that legend was established the moment he stepped back on an NFL field. And was elevated after he made it to the Super Bowl. And after he won FOUR of them.  Against all odds, he became the only purple heart recipient in history to win a Super Bowl. And the only one to win FOUR! For more than two years, he drove himself. Little by little he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. He not only made the Pittsburgh Steelers, but also eventually became a starting running back on a team that won four Super Bowls and became the greatest football team of the 20th century. The hard lessons Rocky Bleier (@RockyBleier) learned early in his life that helped him overcome adversity and reach his goals, have paid off after football. These lessons are seen between the lines in the popular book on his life, “Fighting Back” and on stages of speaking appearances around the country. Rocky Bleier is a true hero. A true champion. Not just a Super Bowl champion. But a champion for veterans. A champion for America. And, now, a champion for independents everywhere. He’s leading an effort in his home state of Pennsylvania to end the ridiculous and un-American closed primaries. And continuing to inspire millions.  Welcome to a conversation with a true champion. Welcome to Super Bowl week. Welcome to a Super Bowl Special episode of the best independent podcast in America.  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.  -Learn more about Operation Liberty—founded by Paul, Amy McGrath and Allison Jaslow (and mentioned by Paul on the show).  -As mentioned, Jake Wood (our guest in Ep 54 and Ep 107) and Team Rubicon are springing into action to provide support to earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria. Learn more, donate and/or volunteer to deploy with them.  – Watch video of Paul and Rocky’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. -Check out this NFL films story with footage of Rocky playing:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6E9uuPoBkY -Watch Fighting Back: The Rocky Bleier Story is a 1980 made-for-television movie about Rocky portrayed by Robert Urich. -Get Rocky’s book: Fighting Back. -Visit his website: http://www.rockybleier.com –Learn about Rocky’s work with Ballot PA to open primaries in Pennsylvania for independents.  –Listen to Paul on KBLA with Tavis Smiley.  –Watch Paul’s weekly segment on NewsNation TV with Marni Hughes.  -Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch.  -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

  Unit culture is defined by leaders. Whether it’s a football team, a police force, a Congressional office or a cable news network. Or a country.  And for more than a decade, the unit culture at one of the biggest cable news networks in America, at the most important times in our recent history, was defined by one leader. One leader whose leadership influenced the broader culture across not just her network, but all news media, across our politics, and across our culture.  One person who was trusted (and sometimes hated) but always watched and deeply respected by millions of Americans. Of all backgrounds.  She has grown into a media and cultural force of our time. And is truly an important, inspiring and iconic American. Someone who is profoundly impacting what our country was, what it is, and what it will be. And someone who is fascinating to talk to about anything–from Spirow Agnew and defense policy, to the super bowl and finding joy in life.   I’m honored to call her a friend. And she’s finally back on this show–to break it down.  It’s the one and only, Dr. Rachel Maddow (@maddow)! If you get to know Rachel, you know a few things. You know she is really that nice in person. You know she treats everyone around her with respect and love. You know she’s a damn good friend. You know she’s even smarter than most people realize. Doing any kind of work. Watching her put together a book or show is like watching a master mason build a perfect foundation for her own house. With thoughtfulness, with precision, with sweat, with focus, with attention to detail, with pride, and with heart. She researches, she measures, she cuts, she builds. She puts tremendous pride and heart into anything she puts her name on. And that’s just part of what makes her different–and makes her special. And it’s why, like so many true icons, she’s known often only by one name: Rachel. Or Maddow. But people refer to her like they know her—-or they know of her. She’s a defining voice of our time.  But a voice doesn’t do too many interviews she’s not hosting. And this one is a treat. We get into everything from Tom Brady’s Retirement. To the state of the NFL. To What’s She Doing Now That She’s Not on TV Every Night. To what she thinks are the Most Important Part About Ukraine. From Sinema to Desantis to Trump to Biden to Wes Moore. And even make some predictions about the Presidential Election AND the Super Bowl.  And all along the way, Rachel will share her uniquely brilliant, powerful and sincere reflections and observations on life–and these times we’re all living in.   Previous appearance: Episode 7 – May 16, 2019  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 Rachel’s conversation here. –Learn about the defeat of an effort to close open primaries for independents in New Hampshire (courtesy of our friend from Open Primaries) -Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get IA merch.  -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

  Ukraine is fighting for their freedom. Iranian protestors are fighting for their freedom. And here in America, none of us feel free from the threat of gun violence.  It’s a time where freedom is under assault always, and in all ways.  So let’s talk about freedom. In America, in Iran, in Ukraine. And let’s talk about how to be more free in our lives daily. Being free from school shootings and technology. This is a deep one. It’s my first in-person conversation since the pandemic. And it’s a great one. With one of my favorite thinkers in America.  And one of my favorite people in America. Sebastian Junger (@SebastianJunger) is back! Sebastian Junger 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’s also a true badass and adventurer—the spirit of Hemingway—who joined us in Episode 116 – May 27, 2021 and Episode 100 – February 4, 2021. He is back to talk candidly about life, fatherhood, almost dying, Ukraine, social media, politics and more.  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.  –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.  –Hear the new music from Maneskin here.  – Watch video of Paul and Sebastian’s conversation here. -Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get IA merch.  -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

  There’s lots going on that most folks aren’t tracking on. Especially in Ukraine. But that’s not the case on this show. We’ve got a show focused on the most important and underreported latest. Especially when it comes to national and global security.  And we’re taking you inside the massive meeting between American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Milley and his Ukrainian counterpart just over the Polish border from Ukraine.  Dan Lamothe is traveling with General Milley and joins us from Brussels with the inside scoop. And a look inside what it’s like to travel with America’s most powerful military leader.  The Washington Post’s Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) is one of the best military and Pentagon reporters in America. He has written about the US Armed Forces for more than a decade, traveling extensively, embedding with each service, and covering combat in Afghanistan numerous times.  Dan has joined us on this show three times. He joined us for Episode 96 in January of 2021. And again for Episode 154 back in February 2022 to talk about then new documents that revealed the U.S. military was intensely frustrated with the administration over the Afghanistan evacuation. And he joined us for Episode 185—one year after the collapse of Afghanistan—to share the insights and moving takeaways from his exclusive new story. And the intrepid reporter is again breaking news that you need to know more about.  The fighting never ends. The political fighting. And the actual fighting. And the leaders leading the fight make all the difference. Whether it’s President Zelensky. Or new Maryland Governor Wes Moore.  If you want or need a reason to be inspired and motivated, look to Annapolis this week and until further notice. Look to Maryland. And look to Wes Moore and his family and team. AND the first guest of this show to be governor of Maryland.  You heard him on this show. If you haven’t, go back and listen to Episodes 10 way back in 2019 and and 105 in March 2021. He might be the first guest of this show to be elected president too. And Rieckhoff digs into it. Along with news about the US Navy veteran released by Russia this week that you probably didn’t hear about—and a breakdown of all the NFL playoff games—and predictions!  Welcome to the future of politics–the future of war–and the future of all things. Welcome to another Ukraine war report.  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 Dan’s conversation here. – Check out Cole Williams – Sign Of The Times [Live] On WWOZ feat. Papa Mali. It’s the amazing track featured in this pod.  -Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get IA merch.  -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

  The chaos is real. The news is overwhelming.  It’s a new year. But it’s the same old chaos. But it seems to be even worse.  But nowhere is it worse than in Ukraine.  In Ukraine, it’s a new year. And the same war.  And in the midst of all the madness. This is the most important madness. And we’re gonna dig into it. He has spent the last 8 years of his life living in Ukraine. And has spent the last year on the front lines of the war helping us all stay connected—and stay vigilant.  He’s an American special forces veteran, a combat journalist, and the husband of a Ukrainian–who is telling the story of this war—-through his life in it: Nolan Peterson (@NolanWPeterson).  A former U.S. Air Force Special Operations pilot and veteran of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Nolan Peterson is Senior Editor for Coffee or Die Magazine, an acclaimed war correspondent, and a globetrotting travel writer whose adventures have taken him to all seven continents.  And he breaks down what’s happening now in Ukraine now: in Kiev, in Mariupol, in Bucha, in bunkers, in Ukrainian hearts–and into the future. He tells us all how to Stand by Ukraine. Check out all his recent articles from the war in Ukraine.  And as mentioned in the pod, here’s how you can send your own customized artillery shell to Russia with love.  Previous appearance: Episode 170 – May 12, 2022 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.  -Get more info about Final Five Voting NYC, the new org we’re supporting that was mentioned in the show.  -Learn more about Operation Independent.  –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 Nolan’s conversation here. -WATCH Paul on NewsNation every Thursday at 11AM with Mari Hughes and every Friday night with Chris Cuomo for I’ll Drink To That! Here’s last week’s segment.  -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 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

 Welcome to 2023. The year of the stupid.  As we begin the new year, our political system is again failing us. And #OurEnemiesAreCelebrating. Welcome to the 118th Congress. Welcome to our chaotic new normal. Welcome to 2023.  We’re digging to the Kevin McCarthy/Speaker of the House madness, the tragic Damar Hamlin NFL injury, a #CamouflageWave update, and our favorite new country song of 2023. It’s a fast and fierce new pod to start your new year off right.  Here’s the GQ article by Luke Zaleski recommended in the pod.  Here’s that great track by Jackson Dean. 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 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.  – 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 videos of all our guest conversations here.  – Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  – Learn more about Operation Independents. A strategic plan to empower independent voters across America.  – 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 winter weather.  – 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

  As we look ahead to 2023 we’re going to take one last look at one of the best moments from our Patreon bonus content. Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) is a truly important, inspiring and iconic American that is shaping what America has been, what it is, and what it will be. And he is a truly independent American. He joined host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) back in Episode 196 – November 10, 2022 for some much needed post-election perspective. As always, it was a conversation that helped you get smarter, predict better, and of course, stay vigilant. Because eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. And that crucial week, we all had a chance to see  what could happen if we’re willing to pay that price. It was an inspiring moment and it’s well reflected in this behind the scenes moment. It’s content that is normally only for members of our Patreon community. But since it’s that time of year we’re dropping this gift down your chimney. We hope you love it as much as we do.  We’ll be back in January with more new guests and shows and as always Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  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 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.  – 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 Paul and Michael’s conversation here. – Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  – Learn more about Operation Independents.  – 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 winter weather.  – 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