Category: Episodes

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.

​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.

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

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. 

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