Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff Righteous Media

It’s been another hard week in America. Another week with another catastrophic and horrifying school shooting. And as spring finally begins in America, this is an especially critical time to stay vigilant. 
The Nashville PD had leaders who stepped up. While others in Washington cowered and failed. And coming up, we’re gonna break it down with a legendary special operations Recon Marine and tactical trainer–who’s been in situations much like that many times. And trained many more. We’re gonna dig into what those leaders did right to save lives…and get some tips on what you can do if you ever find yourself in a similar situation. And learn about ways you can help. Ways you can lead. Because in 2023 in America. It can happen in any town. In any city. In any school. On any day. 
And as we face the very real threat of violence not only overseas—but inside every community in America-we are all looking for leaders. Looking for the helpers. Leaders who will rise to the dangerous moment, like real life superheroes. Like Nashville Police Officers Collazo and Engelbert. And like our guest in this episode. 
He’s a man Paul Rieckhoff has known for almost twenty years. He’s a real life superhero. A real life Iron Man. 
He’s the amazing RUDY REYES (@realRudyReyes). 
Rudy finished his service as a highly decorated Special Forces operator with experience of leading over 50 patrols behind enemy lines. He served one tour in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as a Recon Marine Team Leader and Scout Sniper. 
Rudy's areas of military expertise are in close quarter battle, urban warfare, amphibious raids and reconnaissance, helicopter insertions/extractions, paratrooper and combat diver missions, clandestine sniper missions as well as plain clothes/undercover operations. He’s operated in a multitude of environments, from urban, mountain, and desert. He’s also the star of multiple reality TV shows, including the recent Fox hit: “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,”
And he’s gonna help us understand what happened inside that school in Nashville. What’s happening inside America. What’s happened since Iraq 20 years ago. And what’s happening inside the heart and soul of our country. 
We’ll also talk about the US air strikes you probably missed, protests in Israel, Spanish tanks landing in Ukraine, the Senate AUMF vote, and the best #MarchMadness ever. It’s fast, inspiring and fascinating new episode. 
Leave the herd. Declare your independence.
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers 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 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 events, get merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. 
 - WATCH video of Paul and Rudy’s conversation here.
-Join Paul and other listeners every Friday on Zoom for our weekly 30 minute lunch week-in-review/behind the scenes/AMA/special guests.
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
-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 Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.
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America has had a hard few weeks. And definitely taken some Ls. And as one season ends, and another begins, we’re calling a big time pitcher out of our bullpen to help us make sense of it all. From Trump’s indictment, to Iraq at 20, to Ukraine’s urgent needs, to March Madness and the WBC.
Matt Gallagher (@MattGallagher0) is back. He joined us last after just leaving Ukraine for Episode 161 in March of 2022. 
One of the most important writers of our time, especially touching on issues of war and national security, Matt is the internationally-recognized author of the novels Empire City, Youngblood, the forthcoming Daybreak, the class Iraq war memoir Kaboom, and a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. His work has appeared in Esquire, ESPN, The New York Times, The Paris Review and Wired. He’s also co-editor of the short fiction collection Fire & Forget: Short Stories from the Long War. He’s a popular, funny and insightful voice—including on Twitter–on everything from politics and war to his beloved Cleveland Browns. 
His new Esquire article digs into the Ukraine war in a way nobody else has before. And he’s gonna talk about it. And much more. 
Matt was featured in Vanity Fair as one of the voices of a new generation of American war literature. A graduate of Wake Forest and Columbia, Matt is a 2021-23 fellow with the Tulsa Artist Fellowship, based in Oklahoma. He lives with his wife and sons in Tulsa and works as a writing instructor for NYU’s Words After War program– devoted to bringing vets and civilians together to study conflict literature. 
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers 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 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 events, get merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. 
 - WATCH video of Paul and Matt’s conversation here.
-Ready Matt’s latest Equire piece: “The Secret Weapons of Ukraine”
 -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
-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 Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Instead of one amazing guest and conversation, you’re gonna get 4! Our paid Patreon supporters always get a special extra piece of content after every show. And in this episode, we’re gonna share FOUR! From four of our recent, and most popular guests. We’ve been on a tear of booking lately, and these four clips are from four of the most interesting, most dynamic and most inspiring we’ve had. 
Rachel Maddow. Chef Robert Irvine. Governor Wes Moore. General Barry McCaffey. 
Rachel will share a book recommendation. The music she’s listening to. And her favorite drink to make nowadays!
Chef Irvine shares his favorite drink, his very first car, and pancakes or waffles—to include a secret ingredient for amazing pancakes that I have tried–and is indeed amazing! 
Wes Moore shares his favorite thing about being Governor of Maryland. He shares a workout tip. AND, his favorite easter candy! 
And General Barry McCaffrey will share some wisdom—about his favorite music to listen to—what he likes to watch on TV—why we both love Dolly Parton–and how he stays in fighting shape at age 80!
It’s a fun break from the hard hitting seriousness of the last few weeks of episodes–and the news. 
And Paul also breaks down the 20th Anniversary of the Iraq War, the VA’s motto change, two more state-level wins for the independent movement, the Oscars, and Aaron Rodgers going to the Jets.
Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 214. 
Every episode of Independent Americans breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. 
-Join our Paul Rieckhoff and Independent Americans listeners from around the world on Zoom THIS AND EVERY FRIDAY at 12PM ET for a special and free lunch Q&A. We’ll celebrate the end of another crazy week, take your questions and share some community.
-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 and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. 
-As mentioned on the show, learn more about the engine for independents that is Operation Independents. 
-Here’s the full clip of Paul on MSNBC with Stephanie Ruhle on The 11th Hour. 
-Be sure to check out Episode 69 with Norman Lear.
-Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? 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

War is bloody, expensive and hard. And sometimes, necessary. 
The prolonged occupation of Afghanistan was probably not necessary. The initial invasion probably was. But we can debate all of that for decades. And we will. But what is not debatable is the incredibly high cost of leaving your allies, or even your own Marines and troops, to fight and die on their own. 
If you leave your people hanging at the most key moment, it will be even more bloody, expensive and hard. And that will be true of the war in Ukraine. And that war to protect the freedom, sovereignty and very existence of Ukraine is not a war of choice. This is a war of necessity. 
March Madness is every day in Ukraine. It’s an especially brutal and pivotal time for the war. And we’re strategically digging into what’s most important, what new US weapons are possibly en route, and what’s likely to happen next. To include breaking down what the hell China is doing. With a guest who knows combat and strategy. He’s been there and done that. He’s a returning champion. And a true American hero. A leader who represents the best of what leadership is all about. And a guy who knows a thing or two about things that are bloody, necessary and hard. He’s General Barry McCaffrey.
He served in the United States Army for 32 years.  When he retired in 1996, he was the most decorated General serving in the United States Army, having been awarded 3 Purple Heart Medals for wounds received in combat, 2 Distinguished Service Crosses (the nation’s second highest award for valor), and 2 Silver Stars for valor.  He served 4 combat tours taught at West Point--his alma mater. And has a degree from Harvard. He’s in the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame who is also a very proud father and grandfather. 
Past appearances: Episode 85 - Nov. 13, 2020
Welcome to a briefing from the General on what’s most important, what’s underreported and what’s next. 
Welcome to a master class on Ukraine, China, and America.
Welcome to another conversation about war.
Yes, another one. Because the war has never stopped. So neither can our conversations about it—and our willingness to explore the truth. 
Welcome to a conversation about war time. Which in 2023, is all the time. 
Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 213. 
Every episode of Independent Americans breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. 
-Join our Paul Rieckhoff and Independent Americans listeners from around the world on Zoom THIS AND EVERY FRIDAY at 12PM ET for a special and free lunch Q&A. We’ll celebrate the end of another crazy week, take your questions and share some community.
-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 General McCaffey’s conversation here on our YouTube channel.
-Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. 
-As mentioned on the show, learn more about the engine for independents that is Operation Independents. 
-Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? 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

As chemicals continue to circulate in Ohio, Chinese spy satellites roam overhead, mask mandate divisions linger, and 9/11 first responders again have to descend on Washington to demand healthcare support, this is not an easy time to trust in government. America is hungry for competence. And hungry for leadership. And our guest this week is bringing it back. Big and fast. 
He’s the fastest rising star in politics since Barack Obama. And he may be coming on even faster. 
But can he get independents? Can he be the kind of next generation leader that can unite all kinds? We’ll find out.
The guard is changing in American politics. 
Nancy Pelosi. Soon, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, Jimmy Carter…and others. They’ll be leaving the field. 
And a new generation, with new kinds of skills and ways to play the game, are taking the field. 
The Tom Bradys and Payton Mannings will all be gone soon. 
And it’ll be a new generation of next generation QBs leading the way. QBs who can move and lead and win in ways we’ve never seen before. The days of Aaron Rodgers are soon coming to an end, and the days of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts are here. 
They’re making Chiefs and Bills and Bengals and Eagles fans out of all of us. Just like some, special Dems and Republicans can get us independents to vote for them. Despite how we feel about their team—err, party. 
These guys (and gals) can score with their arms AND their feet. And lead and inspire and bring a new excitement that we haven’t seen in a generation. 
And that’s what Wes Moore is bringing to politics. He’s a Democrat—with toughness. Young, but experienced. Visionary, but humble. And he’s coming. Harder and faster to the forefront than anyone we’ve seen in American politics since Barack Obama. The comparisons are easy. But also, appropriate. Wes Moore is changing the game, faster than it realizes it’s changing. And still, it’s not fast enough. Especially for all of us who are sick of the same old leaders, the same old partisanship, the same old nastiness. The same old shit. 
Wes Moore is the new stuff. The hot stuff. And the good stuff. 
He’s truly a phenomenon. He’s a combat veteran and the newly-elected Governor of Maryland. He’s already a favorite of many as a candidate for President. And he’s our guest. Candid, fast and fun—with his old friend, and our host, Paul Rieckhoff. This is Wes Moore like you haven’t heard him before. 
Past Wes Moore appearances: Episode 10 - June 6, 2019 • Episode 105 - March 11, 2021
And Paul will break down the latest from East Palestine, Ohio, Flint, Michigan, Washington, DC and the annual explosion of Peeps mutations. 
Every episode of Independent Americans breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. 
-Join our Paul Rieckhoff and Independent Americans listeners from around the world on Zoom THIS AND EVERY FRIDAY at 12PM ET for a special and free lunch Q&A. We’ll celebrate the end of another crazy week, take your questions and share some community.
-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 Wes’s conversation here on our YouTube channel.
-Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. 
-Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? 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, V

America is also still at war at home. Against itself. The races for 2024 are already unfolding. And they look nastier than ever. And independents will be more important than ever. 
And in no place will they be more important than in Arizona. 
And that’s why we invited our guest in this episode to join us once again. 
He’s the man who wants to be the next Senator from the state that elected John McCain. The state that recently elected Astronaut and Navy vet Mark Kelly. And the state that elected now self-proclaimed independent Kirsten Sinema. 
He’s a Marine. He’s a Congressman. He’s a Democrat. And if you’re in Arizona and your an independent, he wants your vote. 
He’s Congressman Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego). And he’s jumping way into this crazy train that is the 2024 election. 
Congressman Ruben Gallego is a Democrat who represents the 7th District of Arizona and was first elected in 2014. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff, met him years before--when they were both advocates for veterans fighting for a new GI Bill back in 2007/2008. 
He’s a community leader, and the son of Hispanic immigrants. He was the first in his family to attend college-- graduating from Harvard University. 
It’s another important, inspiring, iconic American–who is changing what America was, what it is, and what it will be. And it’s another conversation train stacked with 5 cars thaf drive everything we do on this show and from righteous media–the 5 i’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. 
Past appearance from Gallego: Episode 113 - May 6, 2021
Every episode of Independent Americans 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. 
-If you're facing mental health challenge, you are not alone. Many of us have been through it. And help is out there. Reaching out for help helps. And is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. Here are options to civilians and vets that everyone should save and share: https://www.crisistextline.org and https://www.veteranscrisisline.net Let’s all look out for each other. And #StayVigilant
-Read Sarah Smallhouse’s piece in AZ Central: “Don't like your choices in November? Then let's fix Arizona's broken election process”.
-Learn more about Ruben Gallego’s campaign for Senate and decide for yourself. 
-Join our Paul Rieckhoff and Independent Americans listeners from around the world on Zoom THIS AND EVERY FRIDAY at 12PM ET for a special and free lunch Q&A. We’ll celebrate the end of another crazy week, take your questions and share some community.
-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 Ruben’s conversation here on our YouTube channel.
-Find us on social media and www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. 
-Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? 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