Category: Episodes

There are only hard choices left now. Not just for Ukraine. But for everyone who cares about freedom, liberty and humanity. President Zelensky and the people of #Ukraine are crying out for a no-fly zone. But the US government and NATO are giving them the stiff-arm. While Putin continues to slaughter civilians and commit war crimes.  The time for talk is over. And our guest in this episode is a man of action. A combat-tested pilot. A political dog fighter. And a political Maverick. He’s back. He’s Congressman Adam Kinzinger (@AdamKinzinger).  The 43-year-old Illinois Republican Congressman, Air Force combat veteran, political maverick, and fighter of the good fight is the man of this moment in American politics. He’s catapulted to the forefront of America’s consciousness in the last few months as one of only two republicans on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. He’s taking shots from all sides–and he’s fighting back. And he’s back for another no-holds-barred, fast-paced, no-BS conversation with Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) about the latest out of Ukraine.  -Are we already at war with Russia?  -Will he vote to declare war on Russia? -Why does he support a no-fly zone? What other options are there? -Can Biden move fast enough to meet this threat? Can America? Is this the latest sign of American decline? -American Vets are now in the fight. What will the Department of Defense do about them? -Months later, is Afghanistan now Forgotistan? Will anyone ever be held accountable? -WTF is up with the MiG fighter planes to Poland?  -NOW will he leave the Republican Party? We’re flying hard and fast through all of it. And we’re keeping no rounds saved. It’s gut check time for America–and the world. Will we REALLY #StandWithUkraine️? Will America FIGHT alongside Ukraine? Download the new pod and find out.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is pulled from the truth beyond the headlines–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers a shot of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another insightful 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. 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 us on Patreon.  – WATCH video of Paul and Adam’s conversation here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -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 Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ukraine remains under siege. Putin’s forces continue to advance and kill countless civilians. And Russia is going dark. Today, Twitter, Facebook and other forms of social media were shut down by Putin all across Russia. We have the latest.  And now is definitely a time to stay vigilant. Because Putin must be stopped. But how? Garry Kasparov explained it better than anyone should have to when he said,  “If Putin is not stopped now, not prevented from destroying Ukraine and committing genocide against its people, there will be a next time and it will be in NATO, with an unprecedented nuclear threat. Do not let Putin escalate again in a time and place of his choosing.” Easy is over.  That’s the truth America needs to hear from Biden. This is wartime now. Wartime requires sacrifice. The less we sacrifice now, the more we’ll lose. Total disruption of the world order is Putin’s goal. And on that, he is winning right now. And he is continuing to control the tempo. The rest of the world has to change that.  I have to change that. YOU have to change that. Having even the slightest feeling that you are making an impact in helping to fix things is massively better than sitting there waiting helplessly for someone else to fix it. The fight of our time is here. And now, more than any other time in our lifetime, now is a time for us all to stay vigilant. And now is also a time for us to fight. In whatever way we can.  Wartime is here. For not just Ukraine. But for the world.  And Malcolm Nance (@MalcolmNance) is back. Just days after returning from inside Ukraine with the Ukrainian Army. America’s favorite terrorism expert, Malcolm is a decorated military veteran, an astute analyst, and a truth teller, TV Terrorism Analysts and a NY Times Bestselling author, the retired Navy Master Chief served as a specialist in Naval Cryptology and was involved in counter-terrorism, intelligence, and combat operations around the world and served as an instructor in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is pulled from the truth beyond the headlines–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And delivers a blast of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another insightful 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. 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 us on Patreon.  And you can find past episodes with Malcolm here: Episode 104 – March 4, 2021 Episode 94 (The Dispatches) – January 12, 2021 Episode 81 – October 16, 2020 Episode 13 – June 27, 2019 – WATCH video of Paul and Malcolm’s conversation here. -Check out the powerful song featured in the show and support the awesome Ukrainian band Boombox’s fundraiser here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fight of our time is here. For Ukraine, for Europe, for the US, for our collective future. Now, more than any other time in our lifetime, is a time for us all to stay vigilant.  And now is also a time for us to fight. In whatever way we can. The war in Ukraine is the most significant global moment of conflict since 9/11. Maybe since World War Two. And we will focus on it on this show until further notice. We’re going to talk to analysts, politicians, fighters, and leaders. And we’re going to support Ukraine in any way we can. Starting now on #IndependentAmericans, we bring you the first #UkraineWarReport episode. We’ll intensify our unique focus on national security, military operations and foreign policy to bring you more independent content to help you meet this moment, stay ahead of the curve, and #StayVigilant.  NATO is not moving fast and creatively enough. And Putin’s taking advantage of it. It’s time to do more than cheer Ukraine from outside. It’s time to get inside and truly #StandWithUkraine️. It’s a time to improvise, adapt and overcome. For the US, for NATO, for Ukraine, and for anyone who is serious about defending and protecting freedom, defeating evil and building toward a brighter future.  And we’ll do that with this show. And with this episode. And with this important, iconic and inspiring guest.  Bianna Golodryga  (@BiannaGolodryga) has been a thoughtful and trusted fixture in the media for two decades. She is CNN’s dynamic Global Affairs analyst, an expert on Russia, a native Texan, a mother, and an inspiring American immigration story.  After migrating to the US as a child from Moldova, in the former Soviet Union, Bianna grew up in Houston, and started her journalism career as a producer for CNBC. She’s interviewed newsmakers including President Clinton, Condoleezza Rice and Warren Buffett. She also went to High School with Beyoncé. She’s smart, experienced and real. Bianna understands the war and the players from all sides. A clear voice of reason and experience in a world of chatter and hot air. She joined us last March for an amazing Episode 106. And she’s back again to break down this historic moment.  Bianna joins Independent Americans and our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a fast, fascinating and unique conversation about the war in Ukraine, how to talk to your children about the conflict unfolding, and what country Putin might invade next.  Every episode of Independent Americans is pulled from 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. And delivers a blast of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another insightful 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. 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 us on Patreon.  – Check out Paul and Bianna’s conversation here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -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 Righteous Media.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday was the last day of peace on the European continent for a long time to come. We are on the brink of world war. And will be for some time to come. This is the dawning of a new day of war in Europe. War between a dictator and an alliance of free nations. A war between Russia and the world. And a war between Russia and the US. A new kind of war the likes of which we’ve never seen (because it’s not “cold” if they wage cyber attacks and attack our elections).  Meanwhile, earlier today. In case you missed it, (because you probably did), the United States carried out a “self-defense” strike in Somalia yesterday. First U.S. strike in Somalia since August 202. Our forever war that spans from Syria to Somalia, just got extended into this new front with Russia in Ukraine. For now. Independent Americans is continuing to keep our eyes on the most important security and military issues in the world.  But this episode, we’re taking an offramp to a very different kind of vibe. While war rages around the world, the culture and political wars still wage here at home. And in the midst of our national internal identity crisis, we at Righteous Media continue to produce content to add light to contrast the heat. Content to help move America forward. Content that delivers the Righteous Media I’s in more ways, to more people.  And following the successful launch of The Firefighters with Rob Serra, and the recent announcement of Uncle Montel – the OG of Weed, we are proud to introduce you to the newest podcast in the Righteous family. We are proud to introduce you to The B Dorm Podcast. Hosted by two black men from Queens, educated at one of America’s most elite and most white colleges, they dive into the news, politics, race and pop culture with a perspective that flies from the highly intellectual to the downright silly. The “B Dorm” at Amherst College was the place they met and held court. Now, it’s the vibe of their new podcast.  In a sea of partisan nonsense and weakness, The B Dorm Podcast (B Dorm) is the hottest new morning show-style podcast in America. In the spirit of The Breakfast Club, with the intelligence of Howard Stern and with the edge of Joe Rogan, B Dorm is the new weekly show that’s not afraid to talk race–and culture, music, sports, relationships, politics and anything else on the minds of the dynamic, fun and energizing hosts, Don Elivert (@voiceofdon) and Jehriko Turner (@JehrikoTurner). They have big voices–and big brains.  They get serious, but have fun–and always keep it real. Real-talk with two real friends, who are real smart and real fun. They chat about business, culture, entertainment, and whatever comes to mind. Sometimes they get serious, but they never take themselves too seriously. It’s an unapologetic, dorm room style conversation – sometimes controversial, always entertaining: this is The B Dorm Podcast.  They join our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for a very real, very candid conversation–about race, the media and how we can all work together to do better. It’s a great conversation. It’s a necessary conversation. And it’s a great introduction to your next favorite podcast. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted delivers light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a focus on military affairs, global conflict and national security.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  – Check out Paul and Don and JT’s conversation here.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Which is awesome.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are all tired as hell right now. After the last few years of….ALL OF IT….we’re all depleted. From the pandemic, to the political drama, to the possible new world war with Ukraine…it never seems to end. And mid-February can be the hardest time of year–even in the best of times. So here we are. The no-shit is that these are definitely not the best of times. Many of us are exhausted, beaten-down, and wounded. None of us is unchanged. And the global post-COVID mental health crisis is just getting started. 2022 may be the year we end the pandemic and start the suffering that follows. From suicide to divorce to bankruptcies to alcoholism, it’s all happening–and getting worse.  We are not OK. But we can be. We can get through it. To better days. To healthier lives. To happier times. But we all need help making that happen. This is a time especially, to look for the helpers.  And Ana Marie Cox (@AnaMarieCox) is one of those helpers that is now rising to meet this moment. She’s been to the dark edge, and is coming back to help others avoid it. After decades as a media innovator and self-described “troublemaker”, the trailblazing Founding Editor of Wonkette, political columnist, and culture critic you may know from cable TV new and places like MTV, Esquire, the Washington Post and her highly successful Crooked Media podcast, Friends Like These, Ana has launched a new life and a new column. It’s focused on sobriety. But also on her Christianity, her experiences, and her unique brand of wisdom.  And she joins our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for a very real, very candid, very thoughtful, very useful conversation–about the hard challenges of life in these exceptionally challenging times. They talk about drinking, divorce, the dysfunction of our politics and media, and how to get through it all. And weave into the biggest political issues and challenges along the way. It’s hard to fight when you’re tired. And we’re all tired. But this is an invaluable conversation to help you through it. It’s a life-hack, a dose of reality, and an injection of advice. It’s unlike any other episode of this show before. And it’s one you’ll want to share.  Check out Ana Marie Cox’s work as mentioned/discussed in this episode: Sober Questioning. Ana’s powerful new column for New York Magazine’s The Cut. Space The Nation. The science fiction and politics podcast with co-host Dan Drezner. The Churn: A Podcast About The Expanse.  A deep dive into our favorite scifi show (that you heard about on this show in an awesome Episode 114 with Wes Chatham).  And of course check Ana out on Twitter (where she has over 1M followers). Every episode of Independent Americans hosted delivers light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a focus on military affairs, global conflict and national security.  If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, contact the following people who want to help: Crisis Text Line (text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling); The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255); and The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386). You are not alone. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. Our dedicated Patreon members get a special extra clip with Ana talking about her favorite drink (non-alcoholic), her first car, her choice in the epic clash of pancakes vs waffles and more.  -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Ana for free here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and another new one dropping this week!  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Which is awesome.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is breaking news that you need to hear about. And so we’ve got a special episode to tear into it. Because especially in this already wild winter of 2022, now is a time to stay vigilant. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan was filled with carnage, tumult and political spin. But after months of denying the facts on the ground, the truth about what really happened in those fateful days is finally starting to come out. New documents reveal the U.S. military was intensely frustrated with the White House, State Department and diplomats over the Afghanistan evacuation. The Washington Post broke the story, and the lead reporter who wrote it is here to talk about it.  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. He joined us a year ago for Episode 96. And the intrepid reporter is again breaking news that you need to know more about.  He’ll also react to the Biden administration’s controversial decision to ban media embeds from the US deployment of troops in response to the Russian threat to invade Ukraine. Dan is a member of the Military Reporters & Editors Association–which recently called on the Secretary of Defense to reverse the decision and allow embeds. He’s also address why there have been so few whistleblowers since Biden has been elected.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a focus on military affairs, global conflict and national security. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is another insightful 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. 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 us on Patreon. Our dedicated Patreon members got this special episode a full day before the public.  -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Dan here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American diplomats are boycotting the Olympics, the Cincinnati Bengals are in the Super Bowl, and Russia is threatening war. It kinda feels like the 1980s again. And it is very much a time to stay vigilant. Especially with regard to Ukraine. While the world watches to see if Putin will invade the country, the attacks have already begun. But not the conventional kind with bombs and tanks. Cyberwarfare is the new forward edge of modern combat. And Russia has already started waging it against Ukraine, the United States and others. Meanwhile, most Americans aren’t hearing much about the Ukrainian people. Even the most famous ones like heavyweight boxing champions and political activists Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko. And we’re digging into it with information warfare and Russian influence expert, Molly McKew (@MollyMcKew ). After joining us in Episode 115 and Episode 84, one of our most interesting and popular guests is back. Molly has traveled the world studying, analyzing and advising on the most urgent cybersecurity, misinformation and technology-based threats. An adjunct professor at Georgetown with a love for cats, baking and sci-fi, Molly takes us into the sides of the Russian standoff that most of the media in America is missing. We explore what’s happening, what’s new and what’s next.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is pulled from 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. And delivers a blast of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another insightful 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. 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 us on Patreon.  -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Molly here. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Also check out other Righteous Media podcasts including The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

​It was a very bloody January in America for law enforcement. At least 30 cops were shot nationwide. From California to Montana to NYC. It feels like Groundhog Day every day. And in 2022, police are the hottest political chew toy in America. A space previously reserved for troops and vets. In a powerful new #IndependentAmericans, we dig into it. Hard. With a guest who’s been on all sides of the issues. We look deeper, we look with experience, and we look for solutions. Beyond the partisanship and spin.No matter where you stand, or how you feel, it’ll help you #StayVigilant. And help you shoot straight. Our guest is a leader to help us do it. He’s a guy who literally trains people to shoot straight.  JW CORTÉS (@JWCortes) is a combat veteran turned actor, singer, non-profit leader, cop and activist. Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents, he developed a keen interest in the arts and a strong desire to serve his community and country. He’s a 17 year veteran of the NY State MTA Police Department. He is also a “Principled Policing” Instructor, Firearms Instructor, a Defensive Tactics Instructor and an Active Shooter Instructor. But he’s also much more. He’s an important, iconic and inspiring leader that’s shaping what America will be.  He was the first actor to portray the DC comic book character “Detective Carlos Alvarez” on FOX’s primetime hit series GOTHAM. He’s acted in a range of other roles on POWER, The Blacklist, Blue Bloods and the NBC reality series Stars Earn Stripes alongside the American Sniper Chris Kyle and most recently, a recent cameo in a Jennifer Lopez music video. And he joined country music superstar Kane Brown to sing on a remix of Kane’s hit record “Homesick.”  President of The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation, JW serves as an advisory board member for the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Semper Fi Fund and was appointed by the NYC Mayor’s Office Of Media and Entertainment to the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission as well as to the Corporate Advisory Board of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ. He was awarded the 2016 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award and was a celebrity spokesperson and ambassador and participated in the acclaimed HBO series “Habla Y Vota.” He addressed members of Congress to recruit their support to urge Hollywood to tell more accurate military/veterans stories, is the proud father of two sons, a lucky husband and loving owner of an American Bulldog named Blue. JW is a helper. He’s a hero. He’s a voice of reason. And he’s an independent American. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And delivers a blast of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is another insightful 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. 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 us on Patreon.  -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and JW here. -Support the good work of The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation.  -Read the new article about Paul’s Understanding 9/11 class at Amherst College.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Also check out The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra  –And Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we all saw this weekend, NFL overtime sucks. A score on the opening drive should NOT end the game. It’s just not fair. The system is broken. Badly. But it’s not just the NFL OT system. The American political system is broken too. Badly. And so is the media. Badly. And the stakes there are so much higher than in football.  And in this episode, we’re staying focused on the media (like we did last episode with Soledad O’Brien). But we’re also zooming out into the bigger picture of where this independent movement is–and where it’s going. We’re breaking down who independents are—and who might be an independent candidate for President in 2024. And we’re continuing to identify the systems that are broken, and offering solutions to fix them.  And our guest has been as focused on it all. For long before we have. And he’s here to help us explore all of it.  He’s a longtime political commentator, radio host, TV host, best-selling author, and maybe the single most high profile political independent in the media. A guy who has served as a guest host for voices on all sides of the political spectrum. He’s been a guest host for Chris Matthews AND for Bill O’Reilly. For Chris Cuomo AND for Glen Beck. And he’s the host of his own SiriusXM radio and CNN TV show. And Paul Rieckhoff’s stunt double.  He’s a one man island of political independence in talk radio and the media: Michael Smerconish (@Smerconish). Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And every episode delivers a dose of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is another insightful 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.  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 us on Patreon.  –Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Michael here. -Read the new article about Paul’s Understanding 9/11 class at Amherst College.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. “Independent Americans is what political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, free-wheeling, and respectful–even welcoming–of different points of view. I’m a fan. -Paul Begala, Political Strategist and CNN Contributor  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stupid is rampant in America. It continues to be the only thing in America more contagious and rampant than the omicron variant. And it’s especially widespread in the media.  So this episode, we’re digging into it. We’re overdue for a conversation on the state of the American media. The American media that far too often fails the American people. And especially Independent Americans. We often feel politically homeless. We’ve covered that early, often and with regularity on this show. But we’re also too often homeless when looking for media. Especially when it comes to the cable news networks. Which continue to shamelessly coddle one party or the other, or, just as often, shamelessly chase the clicks, the drama, the fighting, and of course, the money. The news and political media are failing America. Partisans dominate. The two sides are constantly at war. And as our country burns, they fan the flames. They turn up the heat.  And this episode, we’re adding light to contrast the heat–and ripping into all of them. From CNN to Fox to MSNBC to PBS. And we’re doing it with a returning champion, a crowd favorite, and a lover of fireball whiskey. Our guest from way back in Episode 16 from July of 2019. Media critic, media host, and media force of nature (especially on Twitter), award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, and producer, Soledad O’Brien (@SoledadObrien). It’s a blunt, smart and fun conversion that takes you behind the scenes of the highest levels of media and politics. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. And every episode delivers a dose of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is another insightful 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.  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 us on Patreon.  –Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Soledad here. -Read the new article about Paul’s Understanding 9/11 class at Amherst College.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices