Category: Episodes

Fall is here. And it’s crazier by the day. Trump drama, Ukraine war news, natural disasters, political dysfunction, election campaign warfare. It’s something new and terrible every day. But there’s one important issue you’re not seeing in the news. Important enough that it has dedicated citizens sleeping outside the US Capitol in Washington tonight. It’s called the “firewatch”.  And Matt Zeller (@MattCZeller) is leading it. Matt has been a regular on this show. He’s an activist, an author and a conscience for America. He is one of the leading advocates for veterans, for Afghan allies, and for America. A combat veteran and Army Major that made it out of Afghanistan alive only because of the courage of his Afghan interpreter, Matt’s been paying it forward ever since. He’s the courageous Co-Founder of No One Left Behind, a Truman National Security Fellow, the author of Watches Without Time: An American Soldier in Afghanistan, and a top leader on the powerhouse team at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Matt first joined us to predict the collapse of Afghanistan after the US pullout for Episode 127 in August, 2021. Then again for Episode 138 in October, 2021. He came back a year later in August for Episode 182 in August, 2022 to update us on how bad it’s gotten in Afghanistan. And to take us inside the historic PACT Act fight with Jon Stewart. And to preview the action that needed to be taken for our Afghan allies.  Now, that action is underway. Last week, along with leaders from the Afghan American, humanitarian and veterans community, Matt started a new firewatch. That means he started a campaign of activists sleeping 24/7 outside the capital until the Afghan Adjustment Act is passed.  This is democracy at work. This is democracy evolving. This is good trouble. This is the opposite of January 6th. If you were disgusted by that. You’ll be inspired by this. This is hope. And as we say all the time, hope is the oxygen of democracy. And it’s time for a big dose of it. This is a pod that will leave you inspired–and hopeful.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff) breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  -Watch video of Paul Rieckhoff and Matt Zeller’s conversation here. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  –Represent for the show with some very cool Independent Americans merchandise.  -Check out the incredible music of Marcus King (featured in the show).  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Wanna advertise on the pod? Hit us up.  -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Silly season is here. It’s less than two months until the midterms elections. And it’s on. Politicians are doing all kinds of crazy things. And the stakes have never been higher. Republican Senator and Sellout-in-Chief Lindsay Graham introduced a national abortion ban bill this week. Texas Governor Greg Abbot shipped busloads of undocumented migrants into so called “sanctuary cities” like New York, Chicago, and DC. And just when you thought things couldn’t get dumber, this week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, looking to out Trump Greg Abbot, sent two planes of undocumented migrants to Martha’s Vineyard. Because that’s what we need right now.  The stupid is back in full force this fall. It’s more contagious than COVID, monkeypox, the flu, and the cooties combined. And it’s everywhere. It’s like the worst reality show on TV. Only it’s real. And you can’t change the channel. Meanwhile, the best reality TV show in the world is the reality of the Ukraine war. And Ukraine is on the march. Reminding America (and the world) what fighting for freedom really looks like. And what the stakes are if you fail.   Other shows cover what’s happening. We cover what’s next.   And we’ll do that again in this episode with our guest, a returning champion, and a leader who wants you, as an independent American, to join her, Andrew Yang, David Jolly and other former partisans in their new venture: The Forward Party. Forward Party Co-Founder and former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (@GovCTW) is our guest. The Forward Party is the controversial topic surrounding independent politics that has all of America talking. And we’ll dig into it with one of the top leaders behind it. What does it stand for? Can it work? Why should anyone trust it?  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 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 video of Paul and Christine’s conversation here. –Learn more about the Tunnel 2 Towers run in NYC mentioned on the show. -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.  -Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get IA merch.  -Wanna advertise on the pod and reach the most coveted voters in America? 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

 9/11 is the single most influential moment of the 21st century. It was terrible and tragic and it was a moment that will remain etched in our country’s history forever. It was a moment that redefined the trajectory of the entire world and will continue to shape the future for decades to come. 9/11 was a moment that changed everything for the entire world. And it’s a moment that is engrained in the DNA of Righteous Media. Host and founder Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) was there at Ground Zero on 9/11. The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra host Rob Serra (@SerraRob) was there at Ground Zero on 9/11. They saw the horror first hand. They were there to witness it in person. The scale. The depth. The scope of it all. And while the rest of us watched in shock on TV, they were there, helping, scrambling through the wreckage trying to find survivors. Trying to find anything. It was as horrible as things can be and no one should ever have to endure what they saw that day. But we can never forget. And part of that never forgetting is the requirement we all have to not look away from the ugliness. To not look away from the horror. If we hope to truly honor the sacrifice of those we lost, and those we continue to lose, we can not ignore the horror. We must truly never forget. So at least here — at Independent Americans and all of the shows produced by Righteous Media — 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. Join us. 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.). -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. -Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get IA merch. -Wanna advertise on the pod and reach the most coveted voters in America? 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

  Democrat Pat Ryan (@PatRyanUC) just won a special Congressional election in upstate New York that has the entire political world talking. Few picked him to win in the traditionally Republican-leaning area. But against the odds, the combat veteran pulled it off. And inspired people of all backgrounds nationwide. And now, analysts and strategists nationwide are rushing to understand how he did it. We’ll take you inside the historic victory in a way no other conversation with Ryan has.  Our Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is a good friend and supporter of Ryan. He also lives in the NY-19th Congressional district that Ryan just won. This candid, smart and fun conversation takes you inside the district, the strategy, the demographics, the leadership lessons-learned, and the future. And explores what it all means for the fall election (when Ryan will run again, in a newly-designed district), for the future of politics, for the power of independent Americans, and for the Presidential election in 2024.  Ryan’s election victory is a case study in focus, planning and heart. And by fighting gas prices, utility companies, Trump, abortion rollbacks, and his own party, the win is a case study in how to appeal to independent voters in 2022.  You’ll also hear what Ryan (a former Army intelligence officer) thinks about the breaking news that Trump kept highly classified documents unsecured at his resilience in Mar-A-Lago.  We’ll also dig into a new effort in Pennsylvania led by former NFL football star and Vietnam veteran Rocky Blier to open closed primaries to veterans–and hundreds of thousands of other independent voters who have been shut out of the process and denied a voice. Roughly 50% of veterans call themselves independent in that state–and nationwide.  Independent doesn’t mean the middle. It means none of the above. And the solution for empowering them is not a new party founded by Republicans and Democrats who switched jerseys a few weeks ago. It’s fixing a broken election system–with efforts like this one at the state level in Pennsylvania. We’ll pull apart why. And, speaking of independent politics, we’ll share a #WhereIsYang update. It’s been one week since Forward Party Co-Chair Andrew Yang ghosted on a scheduled interview on this show. And after lots of outrage from the independent Americans community–and casual observers–Paul has significant developments to share.  And, we’ll check in with Paul’s 3 and 7-year old boys, and reflect on a wild summer. You definitely wanna hear this pod and start your September off right.  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. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and 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.  -Watch video of Paul and Congressman Pat Ryan’s conversation here. -Check out some of Paul’s favorite places in Ulster County, NY (the place Pat Ryan now represents) that he mentioned on the show: –The Pines –Heavyfeather Coffee –Marty’s Mercantile  –Phoenicia Diner  –Sweet Sue’s Phoenicia  –The Hoot music and culture festival  -Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get IA merch.  -Wanna advertise on the pod and reach the most coveted voters in America? 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

One year ago this week, the great American betrayal of Afghanistan culminated with a total debacle of a withdrawal that ended in death and carnage.  On Aug. 26, 2021, 13 US troops and 170 Afghans were killed when a bomb ripped through the crowd at the Abbey Gate. The blast took only seconds, but the devastation will live on for decades.  And in this pod, we’ll go deep into it with new reporting from The Washington Post’s intrepid defense reporter, Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe).  Dan joined us on this show twice before. Once for a pre-inauguration preview in January of 2021 for Episode 96. 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. The Washington Post broke the story, and Dan was the lead reporter and joined us to talk about it.  And now he’s back—one year after the collapse of Afghanistan—to share the insights and moving takeaways from his exclusive new story.  Dan talked to 13 U.S. troops who survived the Kabul airport disaster about how their feelings of guilt and grief endure. There’s also a companion podcast that features three of them. It’s harrowing, frustrating and heartbreaking stuff. That suicide bomber did more than kill dozens that day. It blew apart the lives of all who survived. And the Biden narrative for Afghanistan.  And yes, kids. America is still at war. In many places. Including Syria. Host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) and Dan also dig into the US airstrike in Syria that most Americans didn’t even see. And it’s been 6 months since Russia invaded Ukraine. Is support inside the Pentagon slipping after all the carnage? Listen and find out.  And, Paul and Dan break down where the next American bombs might fall. And where the next unformed American boots might walk. The answers might surprise you.  Speaking of surprises, and things blowing up, that’s what happened to this show 48 hours ago. We were very happy Dan could join us. But that wasn’t the original plan. As Paul told you last episode, we had a big guest coming up. But after a bit of back and forth, things went in a different direction. The guest flaked in a big way. And you’ll hear 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.  -Watch video of Paul and Dan’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

After her defeat this week, Congresswoman Liz Cheney said Tuesday’s primary is “certainly the beginning of a battle that is going to continue to go on. And as a country, we’re facing a moment where our democracy really is under attack and under threat.” The battle is on. It’s actually been on for years. We’ve covered it on this show. It’s the battle for the soul of America. But now, that battle is intensifying. And it’s going beyond political fighting. Things are getting nastier, move divided and more violent. With more violence likely. And promised by some Trump supporters.  What will Trump supporters really do? Some are calling for Civil War. Some are rushing to the polls. Some are staying quiet. And tens of millions are listening to conservative talk radio. And more of them are listening to Buck Sexton and his co-host Clay Travis than any other show in America (except maybe Sean Hannity). More than 10 million people tune into over 400 radio stations every day to hear “The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.” Including Trump himself–who was recently a guest.  But who are conservative talk radio listeners nowadays? How is that audience changing? What are they thinking? And what will they do after the FBI search at Mar-a-Lago? How serious is the threat of violence? Paul will ask the former CIA agent turned radio talk show star, Buck Sexton (@BuckSexton). Other shows want to have people who disagree scream at each other. Or over each other. We don’t do that. We want to seek to understand. And help you understand. And look for common ground, as small as it might be. And to not only stay vigilant, but stay civil. Because we disagree, doesn’t mean we have to feed the fire. We can at least try to add light to contrast the devastating heat. And the rising, burning fire that is destroying the country we love.   Welcome to a look inside conservative talk radio. Welcome to an exploration of the GOP of 2022. Welcome to a look into the return of Trump. And a preview of what’s to come. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 184.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff) breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. And grab a vacation when you can. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  -Watch video of Paul and Buck’s conversation here. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  –Represent for the show with some very cool Independent Americans merchandise.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Wanna advertise on the pod? Hit us up.  -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just when you think things in America can’t get any dicier, they do. And now is definitely a time to stay vigilant. And in this episode especially, we’ve got you covered.  Unless you’ve been sleeping on the beach for the last week, you know that the Feds delivered a search warrant at the Mar-a-Lago residence of former President Trump. And what you may not know, is that Trump supporters of all kinds, (and especially the most radical kind), are activated. They are threatening. And things in this country just got a whole lot hotter.  And we’re digging into it. And doing what we always do–bringing light to contrast the heat. Paul rips into the true scope and scale of the rise in domestic threats. Highlights the helpers that are making a positive impact. And talks to a very special (returning) guest that rose to prominence precisely because he brought an approach and tone that was more about building things up, than burning them down.  Back in December of 2019, Secretary (then Mayor) Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) joined this show for a huge, live-audience Episode 37 at the Classic Car Club in NYC. Buttigieg was on fire at the time, and nearing the peak of his Presidential run. And when the dust settled, he had landed in the cabinet and now serves as Secretary of Transportation–overseeing trillions of dollars in projects nationwide.  Buttigieg is one of the most important voices in American politics–and a leader that’s had unique appeal for independent Americans. He’s also the only combat veteran serving in the cabinet outside of the Secretary of Defense. In this new episode, you’ll again get to hear Buttigieg asked questions he’s never been asked before. He and Paul chop it up on everything from extremism in America, to parenthood, to Afghanistan, to pancakes vs waffles. And whether or not he will run for President again. It’s a deep, fast and fun conversation that will give you insight into what’s really in store for the future of our country.  Other shows focus on what’s happening. This show focuses on what’s next.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff) breaks down the most important stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. And talks to powerful and influential leaders of all political backgrounds. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And all Americans. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these wild times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  Stay vigilant, America. Skip the other run-of-the-mill political shows. And listen now.  -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.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  –Represent for this show with some very cool Independent Americans merchandise.  -Wanna advertise on the pod? Hit us up.  -And you can watch video of Paul Rieckhoff and Secretary Buttigieg’s conversation here. -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 that delivers independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes, the good guys and gals win. Sometimes, the bad guys lose. This is one of those times. The historic SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act for veterans passed the Senate by a vote of 86-11.  But it was wild, it was emotional, it was dramatic, it was infuriating, and it was inspiring. It showed what is still possible in America if a group of concerned citizens are united, focused and motivated. And in this episode, we’ll take you inside one of the most dramatic and important political dramas in years.  Our guest in this episode was a key leader in making that victory happen. When, Senator Pat Toomey and the other Republican Senators that stood in the way of the PACT Act, he united the troops, stood alongside Jon Stewart, helped to rally an unstoppable force of veterans, and ultimately emerged triumphant. He’s a true leader and one we’re proud to call a friend of the show. He’s a humanitarian, an activist, and a badass superhero: Matt Zeller (@MattCZeller). Matt is one of the leading advocates for veterans, for Afghan allies, and for America. He’s a combat veteran and Army Major that made it out of Afghanistan alive only because of the courage of his Afghan interpreter. And he’s been paying it forward ever since. Matt is the courageous Co-Founder of No One Left Behind, aTruman National Security Fellow, the author of Watches Without Time: An American Soldier in Afghanistan, and the newest member of the powerhouse team at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). Matt joined us on this show for Episode 138 and Episode 127 to sound the alarm about the imminent collapse of Afghanistan and the chaos that would follow. And now he’s back to break down the fight for the PACT Act–and update us all on the terrible state of Afghanistan one year after the disasterous American withdrawl. Matt was part of the veterans “Fire Watch”, a group of advocates camped out on the Senate steps pressuring the hold-out senators to pass the PACT Act. They served as America’s conscience–and inspired people worldwide. Matt has been on countless TV and radio shows, inside the chamber for the pivotal vote, and he’s somehow, still standing. Still fighting. And he’s back to break it all down for us in compelling detail. This is a pod that will leave you inspired–and hopeful.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff) breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. And grab a vacation when you can. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  -Watch video of Paul Rieckhoff and Matt Zeller’s conversation here. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  –Represent for the show with some very cool Independent Americans merchandise.  -See the full roll call with the names of the 11 Senators that shamefull voted NO on the PACT act for vets with toxin exposures. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Wanna advertise on the pod? Hit us up.  -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

This is a time for stars to shine. And the biggest stars of all, are also the helpers.  The helpers continue to emerge. After Uvalde. After Highland Park. After every Jan 6 hearing. The helpers are out there. And we’ve had some big stars of our own on this show. Sarah Jessica Parker. Steven Colbert. John Bernthal.  And three in particular that are at the top of their game on three of the biggest shows in America.  Last week we heard from some of the country’s leading voices on what it means to be an independent in America. This week we’re going to bring you a peek under the hood and a little deeper insight into some of the biggest names we’ve heard from on the show. From Bradley Whitford to Milo Venitmiglia to Arian Moayed they’ve all stood on the biggest stages imaginable and when their moment’s came, their star’s shined bright. They forged their own paths and preserved in one of the most brutal arenas that exists. Hollywood. And so in this episode we’ll hear from these iconic actors as they share a few of the things that make them tick in these behind the scenes bonus clips. If you’re a Patreon supporter you might have heard these (definitely worth listening to again!). If you’re not, you should be. Either way, they’re a great listen and a perfect quick hit preview of our Patreon bonus content. Get the full versions of the following episodes wherever you get your podcasts or at the links below: Episode 134: Bradley Whitford Episode 135: Milo Ventimiglia Episode 137: Arian Moayed -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. And grab a vacation when you can. -Check out Rieckhoff’s America! Playlist mentioned on the show.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices