Category: Episodes

It’s a dark, cold time in America. In many ways. But even in the darkest, coldest times, there are always helpers. Sources of light to warm our spirits and guide us out of the cold. And one of those sources is our guest in this episode: 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.  But is he running for President in 2024? Does he think that we are facing an American insurgency? Will he leave the Republican Party? What’s he naming his new baby? Who the hell is Ray Epps? What should America do about Ukraine and Afghanistan? Why can’t he stop Tweeting about Senator Ted Cruz? What’s worse, changing diapers or cleaning bottles? Our intrepid host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) presses Kinzinger on these questions and more in a fresh, candid and hard-hitting conversation that’s sure to make news.  Every episode of Independent Americans 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.  Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show by joining us on Patreon.  You can WATCH the full video of this converation with Paul and Adam Kinzinger here. Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt! Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Stay vigilant, America.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a new year. It’s a new variant. It’s a new winter. And a new anniversary. It’s the first anniversary of the January 6th insurrection. And it is definitely a time to stay vigilant. Army vet, activist and host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) digs into all of it. And we’re joined by Rolling Stone’s new Editor-in-Chief, Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman). He’s tasked with reviving the iconic American magazine founded by Jann Wenner and built by the legend of Hunter Thompson. The former bass player in a ska band is now breaking stories about the insurrection, the fall of Afghanistan, sex scandals in the Army special forces and the dark history of music icons like Marilyn Manson and Eric Clapton. Their latest headline-grabbing piece on the January 6 insurrection focuses on Trump advisor Peter Navarro spilling the beans on an alleged 100 members of Congress who he says were standing by to overturn the election of Joe Biden one year ago. Shachtman joins the pod exclusively to talk about all that–and to preview a new investigative Rolling Stone piece about the insurrection and the role of military veterans set to his this week.  This latest episode is about starting the year by providing light to contrast the heat. It’s your new year’s resolution delivering a healthy dose of the 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. It’s another insightful episode to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy.  And in these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Noah here. Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt! Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America. 

Over the years of hosting Independent Americans and Angry Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff has had the extremely rare opportunity to ask a lot of the world’s smartest people a lot of really important questions. And maybe no question is more important than asking each one, “What is your best advice?” And as you look back on a wild 2021 and forward towards an uncertain 2022 we thought this would be a good time to put it all together. It’s a rare glimpse into some of the brightest minds in entertainment, politics and national security. And so from Bradley Whitford to Montel Williams to Norman Lear to Admiral Mike Mullen to Brooke Baldwin, we’ve got an amazing group together to share their inspiration and to help you power through to 2022. Want to go deeper? Check out the full episodes. Episode 27 – Bradley Whitford Episode 36 – Harry Smith Episode 58 – Kristin Rowe Finkbeiner Episode 62 – Martha Raddatz Episode 70 – Montel Williams Episode 71 – Rex Chapman Episode 79 – Christine Todd Whitman Episode 82 – Chuck Hagel Episode 102 – Ken Feinberg Episode 112 – Paul Begala Episode 132 – Admiral Mike Mullin Episode 135 – Milo Ventimiglia Episode 136 – Jeremy Butler We’ll be back in January with more new guests and shows and as always Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt! Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 It’s a COVID Christmas. Again! Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the latest on the variant: how it’s finally hit his home, how NYC is again under siege from the virus, and how the US Army might deliver a Christmas miracle we all need right now.  And we’re resharing a hugely popular, classic conversation for you to enjoy as you travel over the river and through the woods, if you’re in isolation with COVID, or if you’re hard at work while everyone else is celebrating. It’s a rewind to a fan favorite with Jason Alexander from way back on December 19, 2019. A special gift-wrapped Christmas classic from Rieckhoff Claus the whole team of hard-working elves at Righteous Media.  From Episode 38: This episode, we have a very special Festivus gift for all you good little boys and girls! Jason Alexander (@IJasonAlexander) joins the show for an extended and extremely candid conversation. Following our massive episode with Mayor Pete Buttigieg, we’ve got a huge change of pace. The man himself! The legend. The iconic actor who played George Costanza on Seinfeld is here to tell us about the true founding story of Festivus!  And he’ll share amazing stories from an incredible life of laughs, lessons—and activism. In this episode, you’ll get a special holiday gift. You’ll meet the man behind the character you know so well. You’ll hear Jason explain what it’s been like to live life in a world where everyone thinks he’s really George Constanza. But you’ll also hear about his almost 40 years of entertaining America–from stage with Chita Rivera, to Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts, to a voicework on Dora the Explorer to a video with Nickelback. He won a Tony Award and is known worldwide. But he’s also a committed activist, a patriot, a father–and one of the most entertaining, insightful and inspiring American success stories you’ll ever hear. And yes, even Jason Alexander is angry. But this candid, extended, fun conversation will bring you hope–and happiness this holiday.  But first, even during Festivus, if you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff).  And in these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. And a place for some great last-minute Christmas IA merch gifts.   You can also WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Jason here.  Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt!  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.   Stay vigilant, America.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yeah…Santa is coming very soon. But before he does, we’ve got some pretty wild political news happening in America. And we wanna give you an early holiday gift of great content. And a very high-profile guest. Unless you haven’t already read the title, you know who it is. He’s the host of Meet The Press, one of the most influential and iconic political shows in America. He’s the host of Meet The Press Daily on MSNBC, and he’s the Political Director at NBC. On this show in the last year, we’ve had Chuck Hagel. And we’ve had Chuck D. And now, finally, we’ve got Chuck Todd (@ChuckTodd). As the January 6th investigations continue, as the cable news networks play musical chairs with their prime-time line-ups, as tensions rise with Russia over Ukraine, and as the omicron variant rips around the world faster than Santa delivering presents, our fearless host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), tackles it all head-on. From troops refusing the vaccine, to Don Jr’s texts, to accountability for the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. It’s a Christmastime feast of crazy.  And for all you good little boys and girls, we’ve got a deep and fast dive into politics–and also into American political media (which is the demented holiday gift that just keeps on giving). This show is all about the future–and staying vigilant. No matter what Santa brings this Christmas. Whether it’s a Barbie Dream House–or a positive COVID test.  This episode is about providing light to contrast the heat. It’s about keeping the hope. Especially when it’s hard to do. And it’s a holiday time special delivery pod of the 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. All gift-wrapped nice and shiny and sitting in your phone of Christmas podcast treats. It’s another insightful episode to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy.  And in these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Chuck here. politics, inspiration and hope.  Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt! Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last 11 months especially, it’s been easy to lose hope. From the pandemic, to the racial injustice, to the betrayal of Afghanistan, to the disintegration of the Republican Party, to the ineptitude of the Democratic Party. From coast to coast, there’s a loss of hope across America this holiday season.  But in this moment, when the enemies of America seem to be chomping at the bit, we’ve got to keep the hope. And like Bob Dole, who overcame almost dying on the battlefield in Italy in World War Two and 39 months in the hospital afterwards, we can not only stay hopeful, but we can stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy.   This show is all about staying vigilant. It’s about providing light to contrast the heat. It’s about pushing for better. It’s about keeping the hope.  And about sharing the hope of the Righteous Media 5 I’s, to keep you warm and keep you hopeful. It’s the hope of independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact.  And it’s about real talk, about real issues. No sugar coating. No partisan spin. No corporate masters. No bullshit.  And that’s what’s next. It’s a conversation with a voice you know, a voice of reason, a voice that endured adversity, a voice of truth, and especially now, a voice of hope. He’s our guest, Tavis Smiley (@TavisSmiley).  Tavis has worn a lot of hats in a lot of places. He’s hosted shows on BET, NPR, PBS and now owns LA’s first black-owned talk radio station, KBLA 1580. He’s taken on controversies, and has had his share of his own. He’s been a fixture in the national conversation for decades, and an unforgettable, impactful guest in places ranging from Meet The Press to HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher. He’s been up, and he’s been down. And after years of working for other networks, he’s back with a new media network of his own. And a fire that’s hotter than ever before.  Our fearless host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) digs into his aspirations for KBLA, what it means to be “progressive”, and the triple threat facing our democracy. Why he thinks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is the greatest American of all time, Trump and the rise of extremism and white nationalism. Sympathy vs empathy, and the implosion of Carlos Watson’s Ozy Media. And we’ll talk about hope. Because Tavis has a take on hope that you will not forget. A take that’s perfect as we get deeper into the holidays.  In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Tavis here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In just a few weeks, Santa will be back. The lights are up, the sales have started, and the elves are on the shelves–and hanging from light fixtures, dangling from curtains and zip lining across living rooms around the world. And Santa will soon be here. But not before we all prepare to receive a very different kind of holiday visitor. Yes, Santa is back. But so is the coronavirus. And it’s new and improved in the form of the omicron variant.  Throughout this pandemic and our war against the virus, Independent Americans has continued to bring you doses of information to help you defend against the virus. And against the stupid. To help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. And it’s also the price of a happy holiday.  And after multiple doses of good information and light to contrast the heat, we’re back with a booster shot of the Righteous Media 5 Is, to empower and prepare you, right before the holidays hit. It’s a jab in the arm of independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact.  And just like Buddy the Elf is back delivering laughs, one of our favorite doctors is back on the pod to deliver the booster shot of content you need this winter.  Dr. Vin Gupta (@VinGuptaMD) is a public health physician, an Air Force officer, a professor, an NBC News analyst, and true voice of reason. He is a helper and a patriot. He’s the guy you wish was your personal doctor right now. He joined the show back in Episode 83 in late 2020 to help you prepare for the hardest fall and winter any of us has ever faced. And he’s back now to give us the real prognosis–on the new omicron coronavirus variant, whether or not you should get the shot (if you haven’t already), the booster, and why it’s been so damn hard to vaccinate the American military.  It’s a quick, focused, no-shit booster shot of an episode that will leave you better informed and ready for the holidays–and whatever comes next. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of America, this is your pod. Download it now and share it like Santa would.  You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power.  You can also WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Vin here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Thanksgiving, Independent Americans is bringing you a special holiday treat of new content. Paul has a few things to say (he always does) and then introduces you to the powerful and inspiring new podcast from Righteous Media: The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). We’re extremely excited about this new show and we think you will be too.  Welcome to the first ever episode of the Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). It’s the hottest podcast in America, literally. Hosted by frequent and beloved Independent Americans guest, Rob Serra, this episode hits the ground running and doesn’t look back. It’s one of the best from this Season 1 that kicked off earlier this fall on 9/11. It features 9/11 hero firefighter Rich “The Nav” Naviasky. Over a 20 year career at the FDNY, he saw some shit. The kind of shit that sticks with you. From the chaotic morning of 9/11, to the deadly 2007 Deutsche Bank fire that killed two firefighters and injured more than 100, to the horrific 2017 Halloween terrorist truck attack that killed 8 people and slammed into a school bus, Rich has been on the scene at some of the most harrowing fire calls of the last two decades. He’ll take you inside the hardest days, he’ll share heartbreakingly graphic detail, and show you the magnitude of the decisions required of these incredible men and women. He will also leave you inspired by his fortitude, his heart and his example of selfless service. It’s perfect for your holiday drive, flight or downtime.  Content Warning: This episode contains graphic content.  Host Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is America’s leading advocate for firefighters and first-responders. A renowned activist, technical expert and father of three, Rob was born and raised in Staten Island, NY. He began his firefighting career with the FDNY in July 2001 just six weeks after graduating from college. And his first day in the field was September 11th. While he was not scheduled to work that Tuesday, he, along with thousands of others, reported to the World Trade Center to help with the aftermath of the attacks. The 20th anniversary of 9/11 was a time for reflection, a time for remembering. Never forget isn’t just a hashtag. And if you’re a regular listener of Independent Americans, one of America’s Firefighters, a first responder, the family or a friend of one, or just interested in the real world of firefighters, this is your new home.  And that home has a little special sauce this episode. Rob’s mother-in-law makes Nanny’s Tomato Basil Pasta. It’s a delicious dish that will feed your family… or a hungry firehouse and leave everyone happy.  Are you a firefighter that has a great story to share? Send it to us at info@righteous.us and be sure to visit thefirefighters.us for videos, Firefighters merch and more great content. We’re bringing the power of the Righteous Media 5 I’s: Independence, Integrity, Information, Inspiration and impact. Just like we do with IA.  You can also watch video of this show with Rich Naviasky on the Righteous YouTube page. The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On social media or www.thefirefighters.us You can also watch video of this full conversation: #StayLow America. A special thank you to our sponsors, Rocky Boots. They make gear that’s a must for any firefighter especially. Check em out at rockyboots.com. You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now is still a time to stay vigilant. Especially when it comes to national security. Ukraine says that Russia has amassed 100,000 troops near their border. Along with tanks, armored personnel vehicles and artillery. NATO has issued a warning. America has issued a warning. And Russia is denying they plan to invade Ukraine. War is very possible.  And you were probably focused instead on Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers lying about being vaccinated. Or maybe, understandably, you were focused on getting your kid a COVID shot or getting yourself a booster. But while you and most of America are focused on all that, the Secretary of Defense, and many others tasked with protecting America have their eyes on Russia. They always have their eyes on Russia. And on North Korea. And on Pakistan. And on China. And on five other countries across the globe. Because of one simple reason: they have nukes.  Nine countries in the world possess nuclear weapons capable of destroying the entire globe. And one of them is Russia. And maybe you forgot about that completely until you read this.  Nukes are THE number one threat to the entire world as we know it. Yeah, pandemics can be globe-killers. And of course, climate change is stripping and burning the world bit by bit. But only nukes could destroy the entire world as we know it in a matter of hours. And THAT is worth your focus. And your attention. And your vigilance.  And it’s the focus of the newest episode of the groundbreaking television mini-series on Vice TV, While The Rest of Us Die. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff, is Consulting Producer and a Contributor. And he and Righteous Media are bringing you this powerful, urgent Season #2 of the series every Thursday this month at 10PM. Produced by Efran Films, Showrunner Anthony Lappé, and narrated by our friend and past guest on this show, Jeffrey Wright, the series is tearing into the scariest, most deadly, most urgent issues facing us all. And in the newest episode, we’re talking nukes. And it features one of the best minds in the world on the issue–and our guest in this pod–Joe Cirincione (@Cirincione). Joe has worked on nuclear weapons policy in Washington for more than 35 years and is one of the top experts in the field. He was the Director for Non-Proliferation at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and author of Deadly Arsenals: Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Threats, and co-author of Universal Compliance: A Strategy for Nuclear Security. He was the president of Ploughshares Fund, a global security foundation. And now teaches at the Georgetown University Graduate School of Foreign Service. He’s one of America’s best known weapons experts, appearing frequently in print and on FOX News, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, PBS, NPR and occasionally on Comedy Central. He joins us to drop knowledge bombs about nukes. And it’s an episode you don’t want to miss. Hit play now.  You can support this show and join our dynamic community of listeners by joining the IA Patreon community. You’ll get exclusive access to events, guests, merch discounts, and special content. And you’ll help us keep speaking independent truth to power.  You can also WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Joe here. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.    Stay vigilant, America.