Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

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Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Independent Americans is a weekly news show hosted by Paul Rieckhoff. He’s a fighter, a patriot, and an independent political and media force to be reckoned with. After serving as a soldier in Iraq in 2004, Rieckhoff emerged as one of the most dynamic political and social leaders in America. In every episode, he breaks down the most important issues facing our country. And he interviews the most influential and compelling people. He’s taking on Republicans, Democrats—and everyone in between. If you’re in the angry middle, Independent Americans reminds you that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Join the Independent Americans movement and subscribe now. Produced by Righteous Media.

  1. 21 HR. AGO

    Barbara Starr. Hegseth Backlash Grows. Pentagon Purge. Deploying US Troops Against Migrants. Collins Is Trump’s Radical VA Sec Pick. The Onion Buys Infowars. RFK Jr Returns. Biden Unshackles Ukraine. Morning Joe Bends the Knee. Chicken Hawks.

    The flood of emotions, political news and outrageous Trump cabinet nominees continues. And so do the potential threats to our country. Trump wants to deploy US troops to remove migrants. A controversial SecDef nominee wants to ban women in combat (while they’re in combat now). RFK Jr could lead HHS. The new VA Secretary nominee is hardly even mentioned. Dr Oz is gonna run Medicare. And Dr Phil might get a job in Washington from Trump soon too! These are wild and weird times. And none of it is normal. And our venerable host, Paul Rieckhoff, is gonna help you independently dig into all of it. And, take you inside what it’s like to go on CNN and wage war with the most partisan hacks. It’s the a behind-the-scenes look at cable news that you won’t soon forget.  And, we’re bringing you a unique and powerful conversation with a highly respectful leader who understands all of it. Barbara Starr is a renowned journalist, Emmy award winning producer, and former CNN Pentagon correspondent. Starr spent 21 years on CNN as Pentagon correspondent reporting from hotspots including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, the Horn of Africa and the Chinese-North Korean border. Barbara Starr has become one of the most recognizable faces in conflict reporting. In addition to her work on foreign conflicts, Starr has reported extensively on fallen and wounded troops, as well as the plight of homeless veterans. Starr worked for CNN from 2001 to 2022, and was a frequent regular on The Situation Room. Prior to CNN she worked for ABC News, where she won an Emmy for her work as a location producer. Starr has also served for several years on the Pentagon Press Association board advocating for greater press access to military operations. And she talks to us exclusively and candidly about all of it.  Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and check out their election tracker to follow all of the IVA candidates.  -WATCH video of Paul and Barbara’s conversation. -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -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 veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 30m

  2. NOV 14

    Exclusive: Dan Osborn. The Breakout Nebraska Independent Shares Lessons Learned. The Axe and the Trees. Hegseth for SecDef is Nuts. We Don’t Need a Third Party Now—We Need No Party. How Kodi Sawin Softened The Ground. Silver Surfing with Stan Lee.

    Union organizer, mechanic, first-time candidate and superstar independent Navy veteran, Dan Osborn (@OsobornForSenate) is back and he’s here to let us know what it was like to run the highest profile independent political race since Ross Perot, how he broke through, and what’s next for him and the movement. You met him here first back in May in Episode 280 and then again right before the elections in Episode 303. And although he lost to Republican incumbent Senator Deb Fischer, Dan’s campaign created a template for future races and laid the groundwork to help the movement grow in his home state Nebraska and nationwide. And presents lots of lessons for Republicans and Democrats too.  He’s shocked the political world. But more importantly, he woke people up. Woke people up to the idea that there could be a better way. And we’re always going to take time to listen to and salute anybody that does that. And, of course unfortunately, there are some of the usual suspects and a few new characters that get the opposite of the salute. As Trump’s administration coalesces there are some familiar and unsavory options coming forward. Most notably, Pete Hegseth has emerged as the likely next SECDEF, a move which has your host Paul Rieckhoff a little concerned and a whole lot of pissed off.  Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and check out their election tracker to follow all of the IVA candidates.  -WATCH video of Paul and Dan’s conversation. -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -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 veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m

  3. NOV 7

    Election Recap. A Dark Time is Upon Us. Trump Rolls. I Tried to Warn Them About Harris. Independent Vet Candidates Make History. Dems, Come Declare Your Independence. We Are the Guardrails Now. Veterans Day 2024.

    The results are in. And America is very different now. If you need a dose of clarity, independent analysis, and inspiration, Paul Rieckhoff’s got you covered in the candid new pod. And, he offers reason for hope in the results of 11 independent vet candidates who ran in races nationwide. Many of these folks, were guests on this show. Now we find out how they fared. And, a reflection ahead of a Veterans Day most Americans forgot is coming on Monday.  Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and check out their election tracker to follow all of the IVA candidates.  -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -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 veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min

  4. OCT 31

    Election Day is Almost Here. Happy Halloween. Trump The Fascist. Musk’s Secret Meetings With Putin. National Media Finally Focuses on Dan Osborn. North Korean Troops Move Closer to Ukraine. CNN is Ass. The World Series Is About More Than Baseball.

    Halloween is here and only one thing is scarier than the ghouls and goblins of this year’s elections. Because nothing is scarier than fascists. Or less American. And as we barrel towards the most consequential election of our lifetimes, there is no neutral. No safe space. And there is definitely no sitting this one out. The Washington Post tried and failed to sit it out. Elon Musk on the other hand is all in. And apparently all in with Putin as reports emerged of the two conducting back channel communications since 2022. And all in for Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden that felt a whole lot too close for comfort to the historic pre-WWII Nazi rally at the same venue. Although, we’re pretty sure that one had fewer racist jokes. It’s the last episode before the election and your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is here to break all of it down. Because on Independent Americans, we’re focused on not just what’s happening now, but also on what’s happening next.  Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America.  -Learn more about Luciano Aguilar’s campaign. -Learn more about Luke Shaffer’s campaign. -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -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 veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min

  5. OCT 24

    Tom Bowman. Legendary NPR Pentagon Reporter. Will January 6th Happen Again? Gen John Kelly Finally Speaks Out. Hamas Leader Sinwar is Dead. Tulsi Gabbard is No Longer a Self-Proclaimed Independent—GOOD! The Yankees Win! (And the Liberty and Dodgers).

    This week, as the election draws closer, we’re narrowing the focus on national security. And we’ve got the perfect guest to discuss the topics that keep the watchers up at night and the area that is most likely to produce an October surprise. Tom Bowman is the legendary NPR National Desk reporter who covers the Pentagon along with co-hosting NPR's Taking Cover podcast and his latest podcast, “A Good Guy” from NPR’s Embedded. In his current role, Bowman has traveled to Syria as well as Iraq and Afghanistan often for month-long visits and embedded with U.S. Marines and soldiers. Before coming to NPR in April 2006, Bowman spent nine years as a Pentagon reporter at The Baltimore Sun. Altogether he was at The Sun for nearly two decades, covering the Maryland Statehouse, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the National Security Agency (NSA). His coverage of racial and gender discrimination at NSA led to a Pentagon investigation in 1994. Initially Bowman imagined his career path would take him into academia as a history, government, or journalism professor. During college Bowman worked as a stringer at The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Mass. He also worked for the Daily Transcript in Dedham, Mass., and then as a reporter at States News Service, writing for the Miami Herald and the Anniston (Ala.) Star. Bowman is a co-winner of a 2006 National Headliners' Award for stories on the lack of advanced tourniquets for U.S. troops in Iraq. In 2010, he received an Edward R. Murrow Award for his coverage of a Taliban roadside bomb attack on an Army unit. In 2024, Bowman was also awarded a Murrow Award for Best Investigative Reporting for the Taking Cover podcast. Bowman earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from St. Michael's College in Winooski, Vermont, and a master's degree in American Studies from Boston College. He’s seen a lot, he’s done a lot and he goes deep with your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) in this hard hitting all new episode of Independent Americans. From post election violence to General John Kelly’s revelations about just how unfit Trump is for office to Hamas’ leader being killed by Israel, there is a lot happening. And even more that’s about to unfold as a result. Because on Independent Americans, we’re focused on not just what’s happening now, but also on what’s happening next. And when there is this much happening in the national security space, you better believe what happens next will be important. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Read the new Rolling Stone piece, “Ukraine May Cost Trump the Election” -WATCH video of Paul and Tom’s conversation. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America.  -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -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 veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 21m

  6. OCT 17

    Dan Osborn. The Surging Independent Vet for Senate in Nebraska Returns. Gen Milley Calls Trump a Fascist. Jimmy McCain Endorses Harris. North Korean Troops in Ukraine. Steven Seagal Loves Putin. Helpers Respond To Hurricanes. Playoff Baseball Rocks.

    Welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our last episode we heard from Shelane Etchison, a super badass veteran running for Congress in North Carolina. This episode we have another inspiring veteran. And he’s one of the hottest names in American politics today. You met him here first back in May in Episode 280. And it took the rest of the country a couple of months to catch up to the story, but he is finally now making national headlines. He’s union organizer, mechanic, first-time candidate and independent Navy veteran, Dan Osborn (@OsobornForSenate). He’s running for Senate in Nebraska facing off against Senator Deb Fischer, a highly-partisan Republican incumbent who refuses to even debate Dan.  He’s shocking the political world by taking the lead in the race according to multiple recent polls. America is noticing. Voters are noticing. And his Republican opponent is definitely noticing. And you’ll hear from Dan unfiltered and uncensored from his home garage studio. You’ll hear how he plans to win, how he feels about Fisher refusing to debate him, what kind of car he’s working on in his garage with his son and how he feels about Army vs Navy in football! He’s redefining independents for the world–and showing that we can win.  And the voters of Nebraska aren’t alone in supporting independents. More and more people are registering as independents. In New York, voters are registering as independents in record numbers. You’ll learn more. And you’ll also hear Paul dig into American airstrikes you likely missed, new reasons to dislike Jill Stein AND action star Steven Seagal. Who is apparently buddies with Putin. Yes, really.  And your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) digs into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. From North Korean involvement in the war in Ukraine to the US military bombing ISIS in Syria, Independent Americans covers the national and global security news you can’t afford to miss. Because on Independent Americans, we’re focused on not just what’s happening now, but also on what’s happening next. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -WATCH video of Paul and Dan’s conversation. -Listen to Dan Osborn’s past appearance on Episode 280. -Learn more about Dan Osborn and his race on his campaign website.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America.  -Support Team Rubicon’s urgent work to respond to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  -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.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -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 veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 1m

  7. OCT 10

    Shelane Etchison. Independent Vet Making History in North Carolina. Hurricane Milton is Our October Surprise. Dan Osborn Surging in Nebraska. 10/7: One Year Later. Mayor Adams is Killing the Democrats’ Brand. Dolly Steps Up. MLB Playoffs are Awesome.

    Welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. This week, we’re bringing back a powerhouse and fan favorite, Shelane Etchison (@ShelaneEtchison). She’s running for Congress in North Carolina’s 9th District while pregnant and at the same time dealing with the same devastation the rest of her state is experiencing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. But she’s ready. As a combat veteran that used to jump out of planes into battlefields for a living, she’s ready. And she’s bringing the grit and independent spirit that drives this show and the growing independent movement to the campaign and making history while doing it becoming North Carolina’s first independent candidate to qualify for a federal race. It’s a massive accomplishment and it’s thanks to supporters like you, the real independent Americans.  If you’re interested in independent politics—or American politics in general—this is a can’t miss. If you’re an independent, you’ve found your home. And an inspiring one at that.  And your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) goes deep on all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. From the Presidential race to Jill Stein's propensity for lying, he’s hitting it all — hard. And reflecting on the last year and what the anniversary of 10/7 means here and in Israel. Plus updates on Mayor Disaster’s growing scandal in NYC, the latest from Ukraine, and the thwarted ISIS election day attack the FBI announced yesterday that seems to have been missed by most (all?) of the mainstream media. And that’s why every episode of Independent Americans is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is your home for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Learn more about Shelane Etchison and her race on her campaign website.  -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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Shelane’s conversation. -Check out the first time Shelane joined us back in May for Episode 279.  -Hear Dorin Cohen’s harrowing story of her October 7th experience. -Paul’s column from 10/7 on what Israel can learn from our mistakes after 9/11. -Support Team Rubicon’s vital hurricane response efforts.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -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 veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 7m

  8. OCT 3

    Travis Endicott. Independent Vet For Mayor of Ridgecrest, Ca. Walz and Vance Clash. #MayorDisaster Indicted. Trump’s Asinine TBI Denial. Israel Gets Nasrallah—and War with Iran. McChrystal Endorses Harris. Trump Meets Zelensky & Embarrasses America.

    The Democrats and Republicans are attacking each other on a daily basis. The presidential race is at a fever pitch. And 82% of all new voter registrations are independents. And as both sides try to court the undecideds and pander to their bases, we’ve been busy introducing you to America’s next generation of leaders. Independent leaders that stand on their own, in service of their communities. America, meet Travis Endicott, independent veteran candidate for Mayor of Ridgecrest, California. Travis is a brilliant Army vet with multiple degrees, a PhD and two Masters. He works at a top secret lab in the kind of job you can’t really talk about. But the stuff he works on gets confused for alien spaceships—and we think that sounds really, really cool. But he also is a man that cares. And when he heard about a new surveillance system the local police was deploying in his town, he decided to stand up and do something about it. And run for Mayor. It’s the kind of drive we love to see and the kind of candidate we love to stand behind.  And this episode is packed with all of the latest headlines. Your host Paul Rieckhoff breaks down all of the latest news from Ukraine, the Iranian attacks on Israel, the VP debate, Trump’s asinine comments about wounded troops, NYC Mayor Eric Adams and more. The weather might be cooling down, but the world is heating up. And while the cable stations are busy fighting over what happened, we’re focused on what’s next. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that now call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Learn more and support Travis Endicott’s campaign here.  -Watch Paul and Travis’ conversation on YouTube here.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America’s new candidate endorsements.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods 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 new independent and veteran-owned media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 7m
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About

Independent Americans is a weekly news show hosted by Paul Rieckhoff. He’s a fighter, a patriot, and an independent political and media force to be reckoned with. After serving as a soldier in Iraq in 2004, Rieckhoff emerged as one of the most dynamic political and social leaders in America. In every episode, he breaks down the most important issues facing our country. And he interviews the most influential and compelling people. He’s taking on Republicans, Democrats—and everyone in between. If you’re in the angry middle, Independent Americans reminds you that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Join the Independent Americans movement and subscribe now. Produced by Righteous Media.

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