Category: Episodes

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

Over the years we’ve brought you some of the best voices on the biggest subjects. From Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg to Rachel Maddow the guests have been important voices to hear from at critical times for our country. And this year we’ve taken some time away from the usual dumpster fire of partisan news to focus on the issue that is nearest and dearest to our hearts. The stick that stirs our drink. Independents. And specifically why we think independents are not only an important constituency but the key to solving our country’s political stagnation and gridlock.  So as you listen to the rhetoric and divisive partisan media as the fall midterms approach, consider this a primer. Independents 101. It will make you a smarter voter. And it will make you a smarter citizen. Hear from the political mavericks that are challenging the status quo and seeking to redefine what it means to be political. Redefining what it means to be patriotic. Redefining the future. Get the full versions of the following episodes wherever you get your podcasts or at the links below: Episode 144 – Tavis Smiley Episode 149 – Congressman Adam Kinzinger Episode 151 – Michael Smerconish Episode 168 – Evan McMullin Episode 171 – John Opdycke Episode 177 – Lindsay Church 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.  -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

As the summer heats up and we all plummet headlong into the danger zone, we’ve got the real Top Gun. The real Maverick (actually, call sign Krusty). The fighter pilot that went head-to-head with al Qaeda and the Taliban, and then came home to go head-to-head with Mitch McConnell. Marine Corps fighter pilot Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) flew 89 combat missions. And ran one of the most-watched 2020 Senate races in America. She is a trailblazing combat veteran, a former Naval Academy professor and a mother of three. And now she is leading the fight to protect women’s reproductive health and rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Roe decision. She’s a fighter, and after joining us way back in Episode 17 in 2019, Amy is back to join our Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for an important conversation and, more importantly, a plan. A plan to help stem the tide. A plan to fight. A plan for change. In advance of Independence Day, Amy stood with fellow veteran Allison Jaslow and Paul Rieckhoff to launch Operation Liberty: a plan to protect American troops, veterans, and our national security after Roe. Amy outlines the new effort and explains the devastating impacts the Roe decision will have on women and nonbinary service members and veterans. She also responds to the latest mass shooting on July 4, breaks down the status of the air war over Ukraine, and explains the political landscape in her home state of Kentucky–to include the potential of a run by UK basketball legend and past pod guest, Rex Chapman. She also shares if she likes the new Top Gun movie more or less than the original. And why.  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 and Amy’s conversation here. -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

On this Independence Day 2022, everything is different now. It’s a very dark moment in American history. And Friday, June 24, 2022 was a very dark day. So this July 4th, after the overturning of Roe vs Wade, hundreds of millions of Americans aren’t feeling like they have much independence right now.  In this episode, we’re gonna talk about Roe from an angle you won’t get anywhere else. How will the Roe decision impact the military and veterans? How will it impact our national security, military recruiting, and the lives of troops stationed in all 50 states and around the world? This Independence Day, everything is different now. And we’ll dig into Roe, the blockbuster latest January 6th hearings, John Wood launching an independent Senate bid in Missouri, a big decision from the Supreme Court you probably didn’t hear about, how Sean Penn is fighting for fighter jets for Ukraine, and why this might be the most dangerous Pride month ever.  This Independence Day, everything is different now. But leaders continue to rise to the moment. Leaders like our inspiring guest, Lindsay Church. Lindsay is an American badass. A fighter. An organizer. A patriot. Soon to be a parent. And an expert on the impact of Roe on the military, veterans, LGBTQ people and more.  Lindsay Church (they/them) is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just world for the minority veteran community – veterans of color, women, LGBTQ, and (non)religious minorities. Lindsay has nearly a decade of experience rooted in veteran’s advocacy and grassroots organizing. They have facilitated agency-wide cultural competency trainings, provided Congressional testimonies, and speaks on myriad issues related to the equity and inclusion for minority and underrepresented communities. They’ll break down the unique threats facing women, LGBTQ people and their families. And why some queer familes like Lindsay’s are rushing to get a lawyer and updated their passports. Lindsay is a leader for the people. ALL people. Their people. Your people. Our people. ALL PEOPLE. We’ve come far in the last decade, but have so much further to go. But brave LGBTQ military and veteran leaders have been on the front lines, made unimaginable sacrifices, paved the way, and made our country stronger. And Lindsay is one of those leaders. They represent the best of what our country is—and what it can be. This Pride month, we at Righteous Media and Independent Americans again celebrate these leaders. But we’ll also honor them by continuing the fight. Which is more urgent now than ever. And we’ll dig deep into all of it in an urgent, timely and extremely informative new pod.  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 and Lindsay’s conversation 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 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 fiery episode. Veterans lungs are on fire. America’s forests are on fire. Our conversations are on fire. Children and black people and LGBTQ people are UNDER FIRE. The United States is on fire. Our country is burning… in ways big and small. And the country is dying, literally, for leaders who can run into the fires, put them out with solutions, and help us find a path through the damage and through the smoke to better days.  That’s what the Ukrainian people have now in Zelensky. And that’s what America is thirsting for this summer. As radicals and weaklings hijack and dominate our politics, America is looking for leaders with common sense that can break through. Leaders who can speak the truth, understand the moment, and channel the emotion. And especially, the anger and disappointment of this moment.  But will a populist leader emerge to fight all our fires? How did the fire of Trumpism start in the first place? Where is it burning hottest now? Will the new Congressional gun bill fuel it? Who can throw water on it? Can it be put out? Who’s gonna be America’s fire brigade? Who’s gonna be our hero? Are independents the answer?  We’re gonna dig into all of it with a man who is now a political firefighter of sorts. But was once a political arsonist. A self-proclaimed reformed political gang-banger. And the perfect person to talk to about all this–and much more. Former GOP Tea Party Congressman from Illinois Turned Anti-Trumper Independent, Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom).  Walsh was once a star in the GOP. A Tea Party darling. A bomb-throwing, punch-thrower who started out as a social worker outside Chicago, who took a shot at acting, and went on to become a key figure in the social movement that became a wave of Tea Party Congressional victories in 2010. He said crazy shit, insulted many, and ran nasty races. And then he lost in 2012 to Iraq war veteran and Democrat Tammy Duckworth. And after that, he launched into a media career, hosted a talk radio show, stirred up controversy, stood for positions he believed in, and stayed in the arena. And in 2018, he turned against Donald Trump, calling him “a danger to this country.” And in 2019, Joe Walsh decided to run against Trump in the GOP primary. It didn’t last long. In February, 2020, Walsh ended his presidential campaign after getting only 1% of the vote in Iowa. But he didn’t stop battling Trump—or his former party. He’s still throwing punches. He’s still stirring shit up. He’s still fighting for what he believes in. And he’s still very much against Donald Trump and his former party that he now calls a cult. A cult he was once a member of. And we get into all of it in this pod.  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. And delivers a healing dose 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. 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 Joe and Paul’s conversation 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 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 battle on January 6th, 2021 was one that the good guys and gals won. Thankfully. Heroes like Officer Caroline Edwards sacrificed their bodies, their futures, and their lives, to win that battle. They successfully defended The US Capitol that day. They defended our country. And after the first few hearings held by the bi-partisan January 6th Committee, we can all see the truth now. It was a brutal, extended, coordinated, unprecedented battle. And it was a battle that the good guys and gals won. Maybe barely. That battle is over. But in this black summer of 2022, a year and a half later, the war goes on.  And this episode, we’re switching it up a bit. No guest this time. It’s just Paul Rieckhoff and you.  And a quick update with what you most need to know about the last week or so in America.  Soon, we’ll have more important, inspiring and iconic guests that are shaping what America was, what America is, and what America will be. Some VERY good guests. Guests who are making and breaking news. And culture.  But sometimes this summer, we’re just gonna fire off a quick situation report, or SitRep, of things you should know, might have missed, or need to see from a new viewpoint. An independent viewpoint. This is one of those times.  The January 6th Committee hearings (and video), Ukraine losing traction, progress on gun reform, veterans finally getting their due, a new round of primaries closed to independent Americans, Netflix making Squid Game a reality and much more. This is a fierce one.  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. And delivers a healing dose 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 our IA community on Patreon.  -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 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. 

   “There is no constitutional barrier to gun responsibility. Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous people is not only the responsible thing to do, it is the best way to protect the Second Amendment. We can do both.” That’s from legendary actor Matthew McConaughey. Born in Uvalde, Texas. Speaking for America. And finally, a powerful, reasonable, likable voice for responsible gun owners. This time is different. And he is different.  Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has often said Matthew McConaughey could win if he ran for Governor of Texas. Especially if he ran as an independent. Lots of folks didn’t take him seriously as a politician. Maybe that changed this week. He’s not going away. And this issue isn’t going away. Not in America. And not on this show.  Because gun violence is not just a public safety issue. It’s not just a public health issue. It’s a national security issue. And every time Americans kill other Americans, our enemies are celebrating.  And this is another hot summer in America. Another summer of fire. A summer fire that could clear the brush, or burn us down. And the violence is not going away. The heat is not going away. The fire is not going away. And stakes have never been higher.  This episode, we’re bringing back one of the best leaders and strategic thinkers in America, and in the world, to help break it down and guide us through the fire. Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral Jim Stavridis (@stavridisj). Author of the new book, To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision, Admiral Stavridis spent more than thirty years in the US Navy, rising to the rank of four-star admiral. He commanded at NATO and previously commanded US Southern Command, overseeing military operations through Latin America. At sea, he commanded a Navy destroyer, a destroyer squadron, and an aircraft carrier battle group in combat.. He has published eleven books, including 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, with Elliot Ackerman, and is chief international analyst for NBC News and a contributing editor for Time. He is vice chair, global affairs, and managing director of the Carlyle Group and the chair of the board of the Rockefeller Foundation. He’s a leader, a teacher and a voice of reason. His vision for the future is as clear as his knowledge of history. And he goes deep on gun violence in America as a national security threat, what the likeliest scenarios for Ukraine are, and then a look at where the next wars might unfold. The answer might surprise you. 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. And delivers a healing dose 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 our IA community on Patreon.  -WATCH the full video of this conversation with Paul and Admiral Stavridis here. And share it with your friends and family.  -Get a copy of To Risk It All: Nine Conflicts and the Crucible of Decision. Or listen to the audiobook for free now by joining Audible Plus. -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 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. 

After the recent mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas, and seeing Fred Guttenberg share his heartbreak and outrage on TV over and over again, our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) asked an important question: “How many more times are we going to do this to Fred?” And sure enough, it happened again. And again. And again–with multiple shootings occurring the same day as this recording–including one at a healthcare facility in Tulsa with multiple fatalities. This is America’s new forever war. This is our tragic and horrible new normal.  A normal where schools are war zones — and people in actual war zones are sending condolences to us. A new normal where an overwhelming 88% of people favor some sort of action on gun violence but are held hostage by 12% that don’t. None of it makes any sense, and as Americans continue to kill Americans daily, our enemies are celebrating. They’re celebrating the division sown by politicians that care more about their grasp on power than your child’s safety. And that division is deeper than ever. And the anger is boiling over and turning increasingly violent. From our kids’ schools or to our local grocery stores, violence is everywhere. It’s our #1 national security threat. We’ve got to face it. And we’ve got to look for the helpers to help us find the way forward. Fred Gutenberg (@fred_guttenberg) is a helper. And a hero who is pushing for solutions. He suffered an unimaginable loss, when his 14-year-old daughter Jamie was murdered at Parkland, Florida’s Stoneman Douglas High School. Despite his pain, he emerged the very next day to speak at a vigil addressing his community. It was carried nationally and the entire country was riveted by what he said. America has been riveted by Fred ever since. And he has not stopped ever since. Fred testified before Congress, started a non-profit, is constantly meeting with leaders in Washington, and wrote a book called Find The Helpers. Fred joined us back in Episode 99 and also in Episode 74 and he’s here again. It’s an urgent and timely conversation you need to hear.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff 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 healing dose 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 our IA community on Patreon.  -WATCH the full video of this conversation with Paul and Fred here. And share it with your friends and family.  -Support Fred Guttenberg, get his book, learn more about this charity and encourage him to run for office! -Get your own awesome “Born in a Riot of Love” PRIDE t-shirt from Minority Veterans of America (MVA) 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 B Dorm Podcast, 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