Troops on Kharg Island Could Be Bloody. Republicans Say No to Iran. Trump Wants National Guard in NY and Chicago. Staffers Calling Hegseth: “Dumb McNamara” Baseball is Back. Wartoons Explain Weapons. The Sweet 16 is Something Good.



Independent Americans host and Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff fires a solo fastball of an episode breaking down the fast-escalating Iran war, the growing danger to American troops from drones and missiles, and Trump’s increasingly unhinged push to put U.S. troops in American cities. From Karg Island traps and “Dumb McNamara” at the Pentagon, to Congress getting rolled on War Powers and insiders cashing in on war and prediction markets, Rieckhoff connects the dots you’re not getting anywhere else—and explains why this moment demands courage, accountability, and vigilance.​

Rieckhoff also spotlights the growing No Kings protests, the stakes in Ukraine as Trump tries to sell out Donbas to Putin, and a new bipartisan bill to stop political gambling by Members of Congress. In classic IA style, he brings the heat and the hope—shouting out Tina Turner, Opening Day, March Madness, and his upcoming conversation with Dropkick Murphys’ Ken Casey—while previewing his hits on MSNBC’s Katy Tur Reports, NewsNation with Connell McShane, and an upcoming appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher. Because every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories—and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows.

-WATCH full video of this episode here.

-Join IVA and stand up to Trump’s Forever Wars.

-Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America.

-Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here.

-Remember Independent is an Attitude.

-Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It’s a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

Connect with Independent Americans:

  • Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms
  • Read more at Substack
  • Support ad-free episodes at Patreon
  • Connect: Instagram  • X/TwitterBlueSkyFacebook
  • Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky

    Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.

    And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.

    Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.

    And now part of the BLEAV network!

     

    Ways to listen:

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667

    Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff

    TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/

    Ways to watch:

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/

    Social channels:

    X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans

    BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/