Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

Governor Wes Moore is back—and this time, the stakes are even higher. As Trump tests the limits of presidential power, perhaps the most exciting and inspiring Governor in America joins Paul Rieckhoff to explain how far the White House can really go in deploying the National Guard into American cities, what is and is not a “lawful order,” and how governors can (and must) hold the line. From war-crime allegations to loose talk about striking Venezuela, Moore lays out what responsible, principled leadership looks like when America’s global reputation is collapsing fast.​ Recorded during Army–Navy week, Paul and Wes dig into why that game should be “mandatory viewing” for anyone who wants to understand real patriotism, service, and brotherhood. Moore talks candidly about his role as commander in chief of Maryland’s Guard, what he’d do if he were president right now, and why he sees himself as a “healer” for all 6.5 million Marylanders—not a partisan warrior.​ They also dive deep on Moore’s pioneering work with men and boys—from getting more men into classrooms and hospitals to building healthier models of masculinity that steer young guys away from grievance and extremism. Moore explains how Maryland went from 43rd in unemployment to one of the lowest jobless rates in America, cut violent crime and teacher shortages, and launched a first-in-the-nation “Feds to Eds” program that turns fired federal workers into urgently needed teachers.​ And, talks openly about the struggles of his beloved Baltimore Ravens. Plus, Paul opens the show hitting the hottest stories: Trump’s refusal to release the December 2nd boat strike video, the latest on Ukraine’s fight and Zelensky’s resolve, the Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury files, RFK Jr.’s pull-up stunts, Nancy Mace’s TSA tirade, Golden Globe snubs, and a wild NFL Monday night. And they both close with “Something Good”—that’ll leave you feeling warm for the holidays and more hopeful about the days ahead. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode goes straight to the heart of Trump’s chaotic Pentagon with one of the most respected national security reporters in America, Barbara Starr. In this all–new Manosphere Monday, Paul and Barbara dig into the debate around the boat strikes off Venezuela, war crime allegations, “Signalgate,” Trump’s new defense strategy and what happens when the guardrails that protect U.S. troops start coming off.​ Barbara explains why she’s never seen anything like Pete Hegseth’s drama-fueled Pentagon, how the new “propaganda press corps” replacing traditional reporters in the briefing room is changing the flow of truth, and why Trump’s walk-back from NATO looks like a gift-wrapped present to Vladimir Putin. They connect the dots from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, January 6th and today’s surprise-attack risks—from Venezuela to China and Taiwan—and lay out what real vigilance and leadership should look like in 2025.​ Paul takes listeners through the latest on the controversial boat strikes, the escalating partisan fight on Capitol Hill, the National Guard deployment hearings, and the 3,000-page defense bill barreling through Congress while Trump hands himself a FIFA “peace prize” on Fox Sports. Barbara breaks down what’s at stake for apolitical troops, the dismantling of military legal and diversity safeguards, and the danger of turning the Secretary of Defense into a full-time video performer instead of a wartime leader.​ They also zoom out to the bigger cultural moment—from Pearl Harbor remembrance and World War II’s “greatest generation” to the rise of women’s flag football and the Dodgers’ World Series run—and close with “something good,” including Paul’s unapologetic love for *NSYNC’s holiday album and Barbara’s countdown to spring training.​ 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent U.S. Senate candidate from Idaho, Army veteran and telecom leader Todd Achilles returns to Independent Americans for a hard-charging Football Friday that cuts through the chaos. Todd and host Paul Rieckhoff break down Trump’s unauthorized boat strikes and the unfolding Signalgate scandal, why Secretary Hegseth is “fundamentally unfit,” and how Congress has surrendered its War Powers as America edges toward a conflict with Venezuela.​ From ICE raids zip-tying kids at a rural Idaho horse track to a broken visa system that powers the state’s only truly strategic industry—agriculture—Todd explains what this looks like on the ground for red hats, trucker hats, hard hats and cowboy hats across all 44 Idaho counties. He lays out a simple two-by-two matrix for understanding the Venezuela mission, why this should be a DEA and Coast Guard problem, and how misusing the military puts Idaho Guard troops and all Americans at risk.​ Paul and Todd go deep on why independents are the real solution to Trump, RFK Jr., Mamdani and the extremes of both parties—and how one independent veteran in the Senate could become the decisive fulcrum on confirmations, war powers and corruption. Todd details his David-vs-Goliath run against Senator Jim Risch—the fourth-oldest and one of the wealthiest members of the Senate who hasn’t held an in-person town hall since 2009—and why national Republicans are suddenly “scared” of Idaho’s independent wave.​ It’s also Football Friday: Paul and Todd pick Boise State on the Smurf Turf, Texas Tech, Georgia and undefeated Indiana, and talk about why college football in Idaho is as local—and as political—as it gets. They close with “something good,” honoring D-Day medic and Native American hero Charles Shay, the powerful service tradition of Idaho’s tribes, and the growing, hopeful movement of Americans breaking out of partisan trenches and declaring their independence. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Todd’s campaign for Idaho’s Senate seat. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retired Brigadier General Shawn A. Harris is back on the front lines—this time in politics. From his grass-fed cattle farm in Rockmart, Georgia to the halls of the Pentagon, Harris joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) to break down SignalGate, the deadly US boat strikes, the War Powers fight and the growing danger of sloppy, politicized military leadership.​ Running as a Democrat in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District—the open seat Marjorie Taylor Greene is abandoning—Harris explains why leadership, integrity and service still matter in a district that’s been defined by chaos, extremism and cable hits. He talks candidly about why he chose not to “change t‑shirts,” what it’s like to have two sons still in uniform, and why independent and Reagan Republicans are lining up behind his campaign.​ Rieckhoff and Harris also explore whether Congress is quietly edging America toward another war in the Caribbean, whether the boat strike could rise to a war crime, and what real accountability for the current Secretary of Defense should look like. They dig into the Pentagon press rules fight, the New York Times lawsuit, the arrest of the January 6 pipe bomb suspect, and what “dead men don’t talk” really means for intelligence and national security.​ Then, in a powerful “something good,” Harris salutes his hometown Early County Bobcats and the high school football coach who helped turn hopes and dreams into a life of service—sparking a heartfelt conversation about how sports, mentors and community can literally save young lives. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Shawn’s campaign for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this urgent episode ripped from the top political and national security headlines, host Paul Rieckhoff talks with the only truly Independent Senator and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee: Maine’s Angus King. King returns to the show to answer tough questions, share the latest from inside the Senate, and break down Hegseth's "kill everybody" directive amid shifting stories on the strikes that killed dozens, including survivors in the water—explicitly cited as illegal in the DoD Law of War Manual. Paul presses King on the need for public hearings, Admiral Bradley's pending testimony about strike orders, the mysterious resignation of Southern Command Commander, Navy Admiral Holsey—and Hegseth's calendar at the time of the strikes, questioning his leadership as Venezuela tensions escalate with U.S. naval buildup. King slams Congress's abdication of war powers, Trump's "garbage" insults toward Somalis, and the purge of Pentagon legal experts, urging independents to hold the line for accountability. This is a conversation with a powerful, honorable and pivotal Senator that is at the center of all it. The lone independent Senator that can be a unique bridge to real bi-partisan accountability. Millions of Americans—and especially Independent Americans—are looking to King now to meet this moment. Will he? Watch or listen and find out. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Rieckhoff catches up with scholar-warrior Dr. Jason Dempsey, a veteran whose career spans deployments in Afghanistan, work inside the White House, and now powerful advocacy and research on the state of America’s military. The two dive into headline events—recent attacks, controversial military decisions, and the dangerous rise of performative “tough guy” politics. Dempsey unpacks why the rules of war must stand, why leadership is more than just rhetoric, and how America can maintain its ethical compass. They discuss the realities veterans face post-service, the risk of radicalization, and the critical need for mental health resources. Dempsey also highlights the stories of unsung leaders and the ways regular Americans can cut through noise, find resilience, and change the national conversation for the better. Jason Dempsey (@Jason_K_Dempsey) is a bad-ass warrior-scholar. A former Army infantryman with a PhD in politics who loves beer and bikes. A professor, author, researcher, combat veteran and one of the country’s foremost experts on civil-military relations, Jason is West Point graduate, a PhD, and Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and a powerful voice that must be heard. He led units on the ground in Afghanistan, served inside the White House, and literally wrote the book on the modern United states military: Our Army: Soldiers, Politics, and American Civil-Military Relations. He’s also a dad, a lover of good beer and no-BS guy who pulls no punches. Jason previously appeared in Episodes 95 (January 14, 2021) and Episode 76 (Sept. 10, 2020). In his day job he works to help veterans make the transition from military service to higher education, but he also writes and speaks regularly on issues at the intersection of domestic politics, war, and the American military. He is co-editor of a new book on the state of the American military and the challenges facing our All-Volunteer Force. ‘Bend But Do Not Break: Shaping the Future of the All Volunteer Force’ is available for pre-order now, and Jason will be discussing this and more in a course he is teaching on civil-military relations at Columbia University this spring. These are times where there are more questions than answers, but we’re going to bring you the voices and the thought leaders that can provide the information and clarity you need to help you navigate these turbulent times. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Ways to listen: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram Social channels: X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this must-hear breaking news episode, host Paul Rieckhoff and Washington Post Pentagon reporter and returning guest Dan Lamothe dig into the shocking September 2 “drug boat” strike that allegedly included a second “double tap” hit on survivors in the water—and why this may become the first real legal and political test of Trump’s controversial boat strike campaign. They unpack who gave which orders, what Congress can demand, how video evidence could change everything, and why the Navy and Pentagon leadership are under new scrutiny from all sides.​ Paul and Dan also break down the pre-Thanksgiving targeted shooting of West Virginia National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC—one killed, one critically wounded—and what it reveals about domestic security, vetting, immigration politics, and the dangerous rush to be first instead of right when governors and politicians post about casualties. The conversation then zooms out to looming US strikes on Venezuela, ongoing war in Ukraine, and what happens if American aircraft go down on foreign soil in the middle of a fragile, hyper-partisan environment of misinformation. The guys also dig into negotiations and fault lines in Ukraine, how China may be quietly benefiting from America’s distractions, and how a potential Venezuela operation could spin out politically and militarily without clear, credible communication.​ In one of the most jaw-dropping segments, Paul and Dan dig into the collapse of the traditional Pentagon press corps: CNN, The New York Times, Fox, and The Washington Post have now been fully pushed out of the building–and radical conspiracy-pusher Laura Loomer, MyPillow-linked outlets, and fringe “truth tellers” have taken over their access–and their desks. And they’re talking junk about it. Dan and Paul also drill down on Trump’s plans to attend the Army–Navy game later this month, what to look for, how that once-unifying event is now becoming a hyper-political stage, and why announcements and personnel moves tied to the game have mattered before—and could again. Plus, Dan shares why time with teachers, cops, and old classmates far from DC can be grounding in a moment of national whiplash. Paul gives a shoutout to the unifying Detroit Lions Thanksgiving halftime show with Eminem and Jack White—and why small cultural moments like that matter when the news is this heavy. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. Past appearances by Dan Lamothe: Episode 96, Episode 154, Episode 185, Episode 206, Episode 245, Episode 318, Episode 332 and Episode 357. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this classic April 2021 conversation, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff sits down with actor Jon Bernthal for a raw, unfiltered look at America at a breaking point—through the eyes of a storyteller who has spent years playing warriors, cops and complicated men on the edge. They dig into service, violence, fatherhood, justice and what it really means to “have someone’s back” when the cameras are off and the country is in crisis.​ Bernthal and Rieckhoff get real about the distance between Hollywood’s image of war and the lived experience of veterans and military families, and why listening to people who have carried the weight is more urgent than ever. They talk about policing, accountability and communities that feel both over‑policed and abandoned—and how to hold two hard truths at once without hiding behind a party jersey.​ This episode is independent, unapologetically patriotic and fully bullshit‑free—two dads, both committed to service, wrestling with what we owe our kids, our neighbors and our country in the middle of a pandemic, political extremism and cultural chaos. If you are tired of hot takes and partisan spin, this is a powerful, human conversation you will feel long after it ends. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special Thanksgiving edition brings you part two of a dynamic Independent Veterans of America Winners Circle Town Hall featuring IVA 2026 Senate candidates Ty Pinkins of Mississippi and Dan Osborn of Nebraska—two independent veterans who are taking on entrenched incumbents, big money, and a broken two-party system.​ From New York City on Thanksgiving Day, Paul sets the table with gratitude for servicemembers, military families, cops, firefighters, and first responders who are working while the rest of America is watching parades and football. Then the conversation turns to the future: what it really looks like to run as an independent veteran in deeply red states, how to talk to voters across race and party lines in rural communities, and why so many Americans are fed up with being forced to choose between Trump on the right and Mamdani-style extremes on the left.​ Ty Pinkins shares what it means to campaign as an independent veteran in Mississippi—knocking doors in rural counties, bridging racial and political divides, and showing people that common sense, decency, and service still have a place in American politics. Dan Osborn, the former Navy veteran and mechanic who shook the establishment with a close U.S. Senate race in Nebraska, talks about why he is running again in 2026, how his grassroots movement has grown, and what it takes to challenge a billionaire-backed incumbent with nothing but grit, community, and a mission to put country first.​ Paul ties it all together with a Thanksgiving message about why veteran leadership matters as crises continue in places like Ukraine and Venezuela and as National Guard deployments ramp up at home, and why this independent veteran wave is just getting started. If you are an independent—or independent-curious—American who is tired of being politically homeless, or if you have ever thought about running for office yourself, this episode is a must-listen and a call to action. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we head into Thanksgiving we've got a special Veterans Day “Winners Circle” town hall that brings together Independent Veterans of America (IVA) candidates who are changing American politics from the ground up. Independent Americans host and IVA founder Paul Rieckhoff moderates a powerful, unfiltered conversation with two newly‑elected independent veterans—Mike Procuk (Frederick County, VA School Board) and Toby Proctor (North Granby, CT Board of Finance)—and IVA candidates Todd Achilles (Idaho), Donna Charles (Virginia) and Brian Bengs (South Dakota). They break down how independents are actually winning, why veterans are some of the last public figures people still trust, and how corrupt, money‑soaked party politics is failing regular Americans. From school boards and local finance boards to U.S. Senate races across red states, these veterans share ground‑truth stories from the trail, the brutal ballot‑access obstacles they face, and the insider strategies that prove independents are not spoilers—they’re the future. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips through one of the most urgent, dangerous stories in American politics right now: Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s unprecedented weaponization of the Department of Defense and FBI against Senator Mark Kelly and five other members of Congress, and millions of military retirees—just days before Thanksgiving. Coming to you from the new MS Now (formerly MSNBC) headquarters in Times Square, and after a whirlwind of speaking out, Paul connects the dots between Trump’s escalating attacks, Ukraine’s ongoing fight, 9/11 first responder revelations, and why this moment demands maximum vigilance from you—and every independent American. Paul explains how Trump and his “Acting” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth are targeting Senator Mark Kelly and six other members of Congress—sending a chilling message to over two million military retirees—who now fear being dragged back under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for what they post or say. This is bigger than Democrat vs. Republican—it is about right vs. wrong, and about whether America is still a place where free speech is protected from government retaliation. He analyzes Senator Slotkin’s warning about a new FBI counterterrorism inquiry into her after a Trump-criticizing video, and how combining DOD and FBI power into a dual intimidation strike looks less like a democracy and more like the behavior of despots in Russia, North Korea, or Saddam’s Iraq. In classic Independent Americans fashion, Paul also hits rapid headlines that everyone should be tracking heading into Thanksgiving: fresh Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, the simmering risk of U.S. strikes on Venezuela, the underreported stakes for National Guard and Reserve members serving in Congress, and new revelations about long-buried documents on the toxic dust that has killed more 9/11 first responders than were lost on the day itself. He connects it all back to accountability, vigilance, and the open seats at Thanksgiving tables that still remind families of the lasting costs of 9/11. And because this show always brings light, Paul closes with “something good”: a shout-out to The Duffel Blog—the “Onion for the military”—whose brutal satire of Trump’s “woke” rhetoric, ICE raids, and Pentagon absurdity offers a sharp, much-needed laugh for vets and civilians alike. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next week in Tennessee, the biggest and most important election since Election Day is happening. And it could be a key bellwether for the mid-term elections next year. But most of America doesn’t know it’s happening. Or that an independent veteran is running in it. But this fascinating and intense race is a reflection of all that is broken in American politics today. And also, may give you hope for the future. Can the Republicans hold this solidly red district? Will the Democrats continue their hot streak and win again? And will this little-known independent candidate be the determining factor? Independent veteran Congressional candidate Jon Thorp joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) from rural Tennessee to break down his high‑stakes special election outside of Nashville, why he walked away from the GOP to run as a true independent, and how MAGA money, Democrat Super PACs, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, gerrymandering, and broken election rules are all stacked against independent candidates like him.​ We’ll take you inside this fight for a Congressional seat that could alter the entire balance of power in Washington. In this latest special “Meet the Independent Candidate” episode, Paul talks exclusively with the former Army soldier and independent veteran who is running in a December 2nd special election in Tennessee’s 7th District—a race drawn to be safely Republican but now suddenly competitive. Jon explains how a district that stretches across 14 counties from the Kentucky line down toward Alabama was carved to exclude downtown Nashville, why that gerrymander matters, and what he is hearing from disillusioned voters who feel politically homeless and ignored by both parties. Jon is facing a Trump-supported loyalist and extreme Republican Matt Van Epps, AND a Kamala Harris-supported far left Democrat Aftyn Behn–and presenting himself as the moderate voice of reason in the middle. Trump is watching this race closely. You should too. And Paul also breaks down the top stories of the day–including reaction to the breaking news that the cases against James Comey and Leticia James have been dropped–and that Secretary of Defense and Pete Hegseth are considering launching an investigation and UCMJ legal action against political opponent, Navy Veteran and Democrat Senator Mark Kelly. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Jon Thorp and his independent campaign. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. Ways to Listen: Spotify Apple Podcasts Amazon Podcasts Ways to watch: YouTube Instagram Social Channels X/Twitter BlueSky Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Admiral Bill McRaven joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for episode 379 of Independent Americans, diving deep into America’s leadership crisis, political toxicity, and how core values shape our future. This is the guy we all need to hear from RIGHT NOW. Navy SEAL, former Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), former Chancellor of the Texas University System, Best Selling Author, grandfather, Trump critic and patriotic voice of reason. And the man who in 2019 wrote an old titled “Our Republic Is Under Attack From the President" and in an open letter to Trump in 2018: "Therefore, I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency." Drawing on decades of command and real-world experience, McRaven cuts through the headlines like a knife—and offers sharp guidance for navigating chaos—whether in politics, the military, or your family table. And especially on this Friday when it feels like the world is on fire. This episode covers national security, the importance of education as the true foundation for stability, sports, and why hope and community matter most now. If you feel politically homeless, want real leadership lessons, or just crave clarity from a voice that’s been in the arena, this conversation delivers. It’s a true example of a leader who is staying vigilant, staying independent, and showing how America’s best can still lead the way.​ 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. 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 Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a week where political rhetoric reaches new levels of danger and America’s legal system braces for impact, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) sits down with the show’s resident legal heavyweight Asha Rangappa (FBI veteran, Yale professor, Substack baller) for an unfiltered, expert breakdown of the legal issues and headlines setting America aflame. Asha returns to help us parse Trump’s escalating and dangerous “seditious” threats to Democrat lawmakers who posted a video to the troops, the legality of US military interventions (like controversial drug boat strikes), and how lawmakers’ messaging to servicemembers and ongoing military operations could spark unprecedented legal and political crises. And, bringing insight and humor, Asha shares personal stories of navigating American colleges as both parent and professor, her unique role in interpreting military law, and why she loves the TV show “Love is Blind.” 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -Watch Asha’s previous appearances: Episode 225 on June 1, 2023 • Episode 267 on Feb, 15 2024 • Episode 319 on Feb 6 2025. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Read the Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll’s statement on suicide in the military. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. Resources are available. Call or text 988 for immediate access to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available nationwide, 24/7, for mental health, suicidal thoughts, or substance use issues. -Listen/watch Asha’s podcast It’s Complicated and check out her Freedom Academy on Substack and follow her on social media. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. 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 Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Montana senator and podcast host Jon Tester joins Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a candid, no-bullshit conversation about the state of American democracy, national security, and the urgent need for integrity in politics. From revelations about the Epstein files to concerns about U.S. military sales and deep division in D.C., Jon shares unfiltered perspectives rooted in years of service—and grounded in Montana farmland. Hear insights on veterans, leadership, and why Tester says “the only way out is morals.” Learn why Tester is proud to be out of the Senate—and where America should go next. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -Watch Jon’s previous appearance in Episode 181 from July 28, 2022. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Listen/watch the Grounded Podcast: with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou and check out their Substack. -Learn more about Paul’s work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with 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 now in time for the holidays. -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. 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 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Legendary NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman returns to Independent Americans for a timely, unflinching conversation about war, truth, journalism, and the future of our democracy. Hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), this episode pulls back the curtain on major national security stories the mainstream press can’t or won’t cover—from the White House’s escalating battle against independent media, to looming military action in Venezuela, to how Pentagon secrecy impacts the lives of American troops and families. Tom and Paul dive deep into today’s threats to press freedom, why he handed in his credentials after 28 years, the realities of military reporting post-Iraq and Afghanistan, and what these changes mean for everyday Americans. They also discuss how massive Trump-led Congressional cuts are hitting NPR and PBS, the winning ways of the New England Patriots and Oregon Ducks, parenting, and why hope—and vigilance—matter more than ever. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -Read Tom’s brilliant essay on why he didn’t play the Pentagon’s games. -Watch Tom’s previous appearance in Episode 304 from October 24, 2024. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Tom’s work and social media here. -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. 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 Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this explosive daily drop, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes national security reporting innovator, dad of three boys, and former head of Defense One, Kevin Baron for an unfiltered conversation on the looming military showdown in Venezuela, unpredictable moves by the Trump administration, Pentagon power grabs, and the chaos among America’s allies. Baron offers his rare perspective as a father, global affairs expert, defense insider; and former executive editor of Defense One, with frontline analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. The episode dives deep into the U.S. naval buildup in the Caribbean, parenting through crises, fraternity culture, F1 drama, college football grit, and the collapse of transparency at the Pentagon. Plus, some positivity to close out Manosphere Monday—a must for news junkies, military families, sports fans, and independent thinkers everywhere. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -Watch Kevin’s previous appearance in Episode 316 from January 16, 2025. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Learn more about Kevin’s work and social media here. We also highly recommend you check out his Substack. -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. 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 Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) wraps a tense, emotional Veterans Week with a no-holds-barred, guest-free episode—breaking down urgent national security issues, political accountability, and the looming prospect of military conflict in Venezuela. Drawing from his week traveling, deep connections to the veteran community, and decades of political activism and media, Paul brings listeners a timely, candid front-line analysis you won’t hear anywhere else. From Congress’s inaction to shifting Pentagon transparency, the historic changes at 30 Rock, and Football Friday picks for the weekend, this episode is classic IA. Whether reflecting on past Veterans Days or warning about the costs of new wars, Paul’s message is one that will leave you informed, inspired and prepared for whatever comes next. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -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. 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 Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with part two of Paul Rieckhoff’s (@PaulRieckhoff) epic conversation with punk rock icon, activist, and truth-teller Henry Rollins in this raw, urgent, and fiercely independent discussion of the true cost of war, creative protest, and the power of showing up. From the lessons of helping injured veterans to finding hope through art and community, Henry pulls no punches as he shares his experience, challenges the powerful, and reflects on his years supporting those who serve. Rollins and Rieckhoff dissect America’s current crises—from Venezuela and new wars to the attacks on creativity and the White House Rose Garden—offering insight, humor, and a roadmap for staying vigilant and human in hard times. It’s an electrifying episode that embodies punk spirit, compassion, and relentless determination. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -Listen to Henry’s previous appearance: Episode 47 from February 20, 2020. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -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. 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 Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve got a special Veterans Week treat for this episode as Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes back legendary artist, activist, and punk rock icon Henry Rollins for a fiercely honest conversation about division in America, the state of democracy, and the enduring need for vigilance. From stories of Rollins's global travels to his reflections on what it truly means to be punk—and patriotic—in 2025, you’ll get an unfiltered look into his mindset, leadership, and hard-earned lessons from decades on the front lines of culture and activism. They tackle everything from current headlines to personal discipline, empathy, and standing up to extremism. Rieckhoff and Rollins dissect Trump, Fetterman, Venezuela, and how music, community, and the spirit of inclusion can battle America’s most toxic divisions. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a devoted fan, this is a masterclass in punk rock citizenship and independent values. 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. It’s independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve--and stay vigilant. -Listen to Henry’s previous appearance: Episode 47 from February 20, 2020. -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -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. 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 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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices