Podcasts about american veterans

Joe Kent Resigns Over Iran. Hegseth is Losing It. More than 200 Troops Wounded Now. Drones Hit US Embassy in Baghdad. WBC: USA vs…Venezuela. QB Dante Moore Sets A Good Example on Mental Health.  On a wild and weird St. Patrick's Day, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump's expanding war in Iran and his shocking talk about “taking Cuba,” and explains why once you kick a hornet's nest, the hornets—not Trump—decide when it's over. From 50,000 U.S. troops in harm's way, growing drone threats, and a widening conflict across the Middle East, to MAGA insiders breaking ranks like Joe Kent and an unraveling Pete Hegseth, Paul calls out dangerous weakness at the top, a feckless Congress, and the newest inductees into the 2026 Chickenhawk Club. No guest, no spin—just Paul, like your political pint of Guinness, giving you the independence, information and integrity you won't get anywhere else. Paul also focuses on the human cost of war: more than 200 wounded troops in seven countries, grieving Gold Star families like Cheryl Simmons, and the vital work of helpers like TAPS and Bonnie Carroll supporting survivors long after the cameras are gone. He connects that pain to a powerful story of a young quarterback opening up about depression, using his platform to fight stigma and prove that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.  From St. Patrick's Day in New York and Dropkick Murphys on the playlist, to mental health, March Madness and a packed slate of upcoming guests like Ken Casey, General Mark Hertling, Seth Bodner, Tim Mak and more, this episode will help you stay informed, stay engaged—and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

He Is So Racist. Noem Perjury Charges? 6 More American KIA Identified. Cuba's Electrical Grid Collapses. Rep Andy Ogles is a Hateful Bigot. Stars and Stripes the Latest Target. Oscars & March Madness.  Donald Trump is a runaway train, and we're all along for the ride. In this urgent solo “Manosphere Monday” briefing, Paul Rieckhoff rips into Week Three of Trump's war in Iran, the total blackout in Cuba, and a stunning failure of imagination from both parties and much of the media as casualties mount and forever war becomes the plan, not the exception. From the lonely circuit breaker role of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, to the growing cyber battlefield where the lights go out before the bombs drop, Paul breaks down how Trump is going “all gas, no brakes,” why allies still matter, and how the human cost of this war is already immeasurable for Gold Star and surviving families here at home. He calls out the politicians cashing in on conflict, the Congressmen openly attacking Muslim Americans, and the Pentagon and Wall Street players treating war like one more business opportunity. But this episode isn't just about outrage, it's about action—and about redefining what real leadership and real manhood look like in a dangerous time. Paul spotlights the quiet courage of our allies, the sacrifice of fallen service members, and the inspiration of America's Paralympic sled hockey gold-medal run, alongside cultural flashpoints from the Oscars to the World Baseball Classic and March Madness. He draws a sharp contrast between Trump's war on the press and the work of truth-tellers like Stars and Stripes, Ukrainian filmmakers, and independent journalists risking everything to stand up to Putin and authoritarianism. If you're one of the 45% of Americans who now identify as independent—or independent-curious—and you're looking for straight talk, hard questions, and a plan to fight back against extremism from all sides, this is your show. Stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

War reveals who people are—the best of us and the worst of us. In this special episode, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff takes you inside his fiery appearance on MSNBC's Deadline White House with Nicolle Wallace, sounding the alarm about Trump's reckless march toward war with Iran, the extremism driving today's culture wars, and the urgent need for real leadership and accountability. Fresh off hits on NewsNation and Stephen Colbert, he explains why this could actually be one of the most unifying moments in recent American history—even as the drumbeats of war grow louder in the Middle East and chaos spreads at home, with opposition to a new war in Iran rising from NFL legends like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to conservatives like Newt Gingrich and unlikely critics like Megyn Kelly and Steve Bannon.​ Rieckhoff digs into how Trump and his allies have crossed into every part of American culture—sports, entertainment, even Spongebob—and why the backlash matters, from the growing popularity of opposing ICE to a broad public rejection of another Middle East war and the central role of independents—now roughly 45% of the country—in defending core American values. He goes deep on the stakes for veterans and military families, including alarming new moves by the VA to put homeless veterans under guardianship and a broader effort to turn the Pentagon into the tip of the spear for an extreme culture war—from banning books and rolling back women's rights to pushing Christian nationalism—calling it the most dangerous course for America's future and a test for politicians, retired generals, civic leaders, and every independent American -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

xAttack on Michigan Synagogue. Tragedy and Heroism at ODU's ROTC. Bombing Civilians is Bad. Trump Drops Russian Oil Sanctions. UFO General Missing. RIP Rick Bolanos. Mid-East F1 Cancelled. American caskets are coming home again. In this fierce, fiery Friday episode, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the escalating “Iran overflow” war, the KC‑135 crash that killed six American service members, the growing drumbeat of troop movements into the Middle East, and the total failure of Congress to do its job on questions of war and peace. He calls out Trump's illegal “no quarter” rhetoric, Pete Hegseth's authoritarian war on the press, ICE's abuses at home, and the dangerous normalization of UFC “Freedom Fights 250” on the White House lawn—while reminding listeners why if you're not angry, you're not paying attention.​ Then Medal of Freedom recipient, Air Force veteran, and TAPS founder Bonnie Carroll returns to go deeper on what really happens when someone is killed in action, in training, in terror attacks at home—or lost to suicide. Paul and Bonnie unpack the brutal realities of casualty notifications, the lifelong journey for surviving families, and the heroic work TAPS is doing right now for the loved ones of those lost in Iran, Iraq, Old Dominion, Michigan, and beyond—and how you can help. It's a powerful conversation about grief, courage, accountability, and hope that will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Check out and support TAPS and all of their programs. And the TAPS Honor Guard Gala which is an amazing event every year. -Urge your representatives to support and pass the Richard Star Act and protect veterans' retirement pay and disability compensation. -Take a moment and honor the legacy of Vietnam Veteran hero Rick Bolanos. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump Endorses Jake Paul. VA Wants to Institutionalize Homeless Vets. The Loud X Minority. We Need An Indy to Run vs Fetterman. Italy Wins, Saves USA.  Trump's Iran war is spiraling, controversy is overflowing, the world is in chaos, enemies are celebrating, the VA is quietly grabbing new power over homeless vets, and John Fetterman is MIA on a horrific school strike in Iran—so Paul fires up the mic for a solo episode that pulls no punches and looks around the corner at what's coming next. From Iran to California drone threats, from outrageous “war slop” videos out of the White House to the FBI playing fanboy with UFC fighters at Quantico, this episode is a rapid-fire briefing for independent Americans who refuse to drink the bullshit both parties are serving. Paul breaks down why most Americans are not as divided as the algorithms want you to believe, why independents (especially in Pennsylvania and South Carolina) are the real sleeping giant, and how celebrity, culture, sports and even the Paralympics are being weaponized in this new era of global conflict. He closes with a powerful, emotional story of a high school hockey player who turned unimaginable loss into a double-overtime miracle—and a reminder that heroism, community and hope are still out there if you know where to look. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iran War Opposed by Most Americans. Senator Ron Johnson Hates Vets. Dr Dre is a Billionaire. USA Sled Hockey Rocks. Trump's deeply unpopular war in Iran is escalating, US troops are being wounded in large numbers, and the war on the truth is raging—so Paul Rieckhoff is back with a fast, fiery solo episode to help you cut through the chaos, fueled by G. Love & Special Sauce and fresh off a big night on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. From new reporting on undisclosed American casualties and oil shocks in the Strait of Hormuz to Trump's all‑gas‑no‑brakes foreign policy and a Congress with “no plan to stop him,” Paul breaks down what's really happening, why it feels like Iraq all over again, and what eternal vigilance looks like for you right now.​ He digs into Trump's forever war, the overextended US military, and the historic unpopularity of the Iran conflict—less support than Vietnam, Iraq, or Afghanistan—while calling out senators who act more like pundits than leaders and demanding a real plan to constrain presidential war powers. Along the way he blasts Senator Ron Johnson for blocking the bipartisan Richard Starr Act that would ensure wounded combat veterans get both the disability and retirement pay they've earned, pulls back the curtain on his latest Colbert appearance and his push to draft Stephen to run as an independent against Lindsey Graham, spotlights Independent Veterans of America, and still finds room for joy—from USA sled hockey's Paralympic dominance and the World Baseball Classic to Dr. Dre's long‑awaited billionaire status and what the “year of the billionaire” says about America now. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rogan & Bannon Question Iran. Ignorant Outrage Over Troops Steak & Lobster. Hegseth to Approve All Hegseth Photos. Drones: “The Factory is the Weapon”. Ray Lewis Mad. Italy Stuns US. Adebayo's 83!  On this Wartime Wednesday episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff takes you inside the rapidly escalating war in Iran, what it really means for troops and families, and why 76% of Americans now oppose it. From a deadly U.S. strike on an Iranian school and new Pentagon revelations, to drone warfare, Cyber Command leadership, the Strait of Hormuz, and the viral Heath “lobster and steak” for Troops outrage, Paul breaks down the stories everyone should be tracking—but most news and politics shows are missing.​ Because we didn't just start covering national security and war when the war with Iran started. We focus on it always. And this is one of the few shows out there hosted by a combat veteran who gets it.  You'll also hear about wounded soldiers returning from the Middle East and speaking out, why cheap drones are the top threat of this war, and how America is still not ready enough at home or abroad. Paul hits veterans' benefits battles in Congress, the candidacy of retired General Sean Harris in Marjorie Taylor Greene's open Congressional seat in Georgia, and why independents remain the needle in American politics—plus culture and sports updates from Miley's Hannah Montana return to the World Baseball Classic, the USA at the Paralympics, and NFL legends Ed Reed and Ray Lewis pushing back on Trump's war propaganda. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 6 Plaque Finally Installed. Intel Warns Large-Scale War ‘Unlikely' to Oust Iran's Regime. Dignified Transfer of 6 Americans KIA. 7th Troop KIA. MacFarlane out at CBS. Rieckhoff on Colbert Tonight!  Trump's Iran war is escalating, American troops and civilians are dying, and the truth is already becoming the first casualty—again. In this all-new solo episode 460 of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down why the conflict feels like Vietnam all over again, what U.S. intelligence is really saying about regime change, and why American flag-draped caskets coming home must never be normalized. From a horrific school bombing in Iran to drone terror in Ukraine and rising ISIS-inspired threats in New York City, he connects the front lines overseas to the streets where you live, while calling out chicken hawks, failed leadership, and the propaganda pouring out of Trump's White House.​ Paul also spotlights the leaders and movements actually rising to the moment—from retired Admiral Mike Mullen and independent journalist Scott MacFarlane to emerging independent candidates like veteran Seth Bodnar in Montana. He honors anti-war legend Country Joe McDonald, amplifies NFL great Ed Reed's rejection of White House war hype, and previews his appearance with Stephen Colbert—inviting new listeners into a growing, hopeful independent movement that puts country over party, people over politics, and light over heat. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Independent Americans host and Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff takes you behind the scenes of his fiery CNN Newsroom clash with former Congressman and fellow Iraq vet Peter Meijer over President Trump's escalating Iran strategy and the deadly strike on an Iranian school that killed scores of children and teachers. In this raw, real-time debrief, Rieckhoff explains why Trump's rush to blame Iran despite independent analysis suggesting U.S. responsibility shreds American credibility, feels like “deja vu all over again” for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and risks dragging America into another open-ended Middle East war most Americans do not want.​ He breaks down Trump's “all gas, no brakes” approach—from regime-change talk and operations in at least eight countries in a year without real debate or authorization, to juvenile White House war memes that trivialize the very real costs for U.S. troops and civilians across the region—while slamming both parties in Congress, including Democrats like Senator Richard Blumenthal, for failing to enforce the War Powers Act or put real guardrails on the commander in chief. Drawing sharp lessons from Iraq's 20-year quagmire, Rieckhoff warns Iran could be even more dangerous and costly if we don't learn from history—and makes the case that Americans must demand transparency, real debate and actual votes before war, now more than ever. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Donald Trump launches a war on Iran, hits a whole new country in Ecuador, talks openly about striking Cuba next—and Congress can't even be bothered to interrupt its weekend to hold an emergency session—you know America has a serious problem. In this all–new episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff takes you inside his fiery appearance on MSNBC's Deadline White House with Nicolle Wallace, where he confronts Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal and calls out a weak, failed Congress that is “not even a speed bump” to Trump's most dangerous impulses. Rieckhoff asks the question every American should be asking our so–called leaders right now: What are you going to do about it? He lays out how Trump can effectively do anything he wants with the most powerful military in the world, why the Iran War Powers vote is coming days after the war already started, how six American service members were killed while Congress dithered, and why both parties deserve blame for letting this runaway train barrel toward boots on the ground. From the risks of a wider regional war to the hard truth that “being sad and angry is not a course of action,” this episode is a clear, independent, unapologetically patriotic call for accountability and a real plan B. If you're tired of tweets, cable hits, and empty outrage—and you want straight talk, deeper context, and concrete ways to push your representatives to finally do their jobs—this is your briefing. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Noem is Out. Chickenhawk Mullin is In—and Very, Very Dumb. House Blocks War Powers Act. Unemployment, Gas Prices Spike. Mich St Honors Pearl Harbor Vet. Paul Rieckhoff sits down with former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), Air National Guard combat veteran and star of the new film "The Last Republican," now on YouTube. They dive deep into the escalating Iran war—with no clear endgame, potential boots on the ground, civilian casualties including a possible U.S. strike on an Iranian girls' school, and Congress failing to check Trump's power via War Powers resolutions. Kinzinger warns Trump may get bored and abandon the mess, analyzes threats like ICE under new head Markwayne Mullin, Cuba invasion risks, drone dangers at home, GOP corruption, and the urgent need for a pro-democracy coalition. He discusses his future (hint: considering independence), Ukraine's aid offers, and why Democrats must fight harder now. Plus, hope amid chaos: Paralympics, World Baseball Classic, and building an independent movement. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Check out Adam's SubStack https://substack.com/@adamkinzinger here. -Watch the documentary The Last Republican on YouTube for free here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Senator Sheehy Breaks Arm of Marine Protestor. How Democrats Lost Men. War Costs $1B a Day. White House Call of Duty Video Game War Videos. 2 More Soldiers KIA Identified.  In this all-new episode of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff hits all the breaking news and most urgent topics with bestselling author of The Perfect Storm and Tribe, war reporter, and documentarian Sebastian Junger for a raw, unflinching conversation about the unfolding war in Iran, a US Senator snapping the arm of a protestor, the follies of regime change wars, the human costs of American adventurism, Trump and Hegseth's nasty brand of fake-leadership, courage, patriotism, and what it really means to live — and almost die — for something bigger than yourself.  Together, Paul and Sebastian dig into the cost of America's forever wars, the invisible wounds carried by veterans and journalists, and the hard truths most politicians would rather ignore. Paul and Sebastian dig into the real cost of our forever wars, the invisible wounds carried by veterans and war reporters, and why so many Americans feel unmoored and alone in their own country right now. If you're sick of the spin and hungry for a tough, honest, independent conversation about where we go from here, this one's for you.​ -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Check out Sebastian's latest piece on his SubStack here.   -And SebastianJunger.com for his entire catalog. As mentioned on the show:  -To help the families of our fallen servicemembers in this time of unimaginable pain and loss, support the heroic work of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): https://www.taps.org.  -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iran is Not a Football Game, Hegseth. Barron ‘Too Tall to Serve'?  American Troops KIA Identified. Another Primary Screws Independents. Indy Vet Bodnar Declares for Senate in Montana.  Trump has struck nine foreign countries in the past year and just opened a new front in Ecuador—while thousands of Americans remain stranded near Iran with no clear evacuation plan. From Times Square after sparring with Democrat Senator Blumenthal on MSNow, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff blasts a Congress acting more like “mall cops” than a check on Trump's runaway war powers. In this quick‑fire solo pod, Paul unpacks the escalating Iran conflict, honors fallen troops by name, and exposes a bipartisan “Chickenhawk Club” eager to send others to fight while keeping their own families safe. He also breaks down how Trump's team has left bases worldwide on edge, why the Pentagon is scrambling for munitions, and how Washington still lacks a plan for the new generation of veterans it's creating. Plus, Paul dives into America's broken primary system, key Texas primary shifts, and a surge of independent veteran candidates like Montana's Seth Bodner proving that independents are the needle. And for some balance after the battle talk, he hits sports and culture—from the World Baseball Classic and Paralympics to the Oscar‑nominated short Armed Only with a Camera, honoring journalist Brent Renaud and those who show the real cost of war. -WATCH full video of this episode here. As mentioned on the show:  -To help the families of our fallen servicemembers in this time of unimaginable pain and loss, support the heroic work of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): https://www.taps.org.  -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does The War Press Coverage Already Suck? With Barbara Starr. Markets Plummet. US Pilot Shows How Awesome Our Women Warriors Are. The 2026 Chickenhawk Club.  Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump's fast‑escalating war with Iran, the rise of deadly drone warfare, and what it all means for American troops, families, and civilians worldwide. Then, regular guest and legendary CNN Pentagon reporter Barbara Starr joins Paul to cut through the chaos, dissect the Pentagon's long‑delayed press briefings, and explain why “air power alone” won't deliver victory in Iran—or anywhere else. From unprotected American troops killed in a makeshift Kuwaiti trailer, to embassies under threat and chaotic evacuation warnings, this episode exposes how badly Washington has prepared for the conflicts it helped ignite. Paul and Barbara also spotlight the now 6 American troops killed in action, the viral story of the downed American F‑15 pilot, the courage and professionalism of women in combat, and the mental‑health toll on service members, vets, and families now bracing for a long, uncertain war. If you care about the troops, the truth, and the future of American democracy in a time of permanent crisis, this is a must‑listen. -WATCH full video of this episode here. As mentioned on the show:  -To help the families of our fallen servicemembers in this time of unimaginable pain and loss, support the heroic work of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): https://www.taps.org.  -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump launched an unauthorized, unpopular war with Iran, and Independent Americans host and national security expert Paul Rieckhoff joins MSNOW's “The Weekend” to break down what it means for our troops, our Congress, and our future.  In this special episode, Paul shares a searing on‑air conversation about three fallen American service members, Trump's choice to hit eight countries in a year, and a Congress that can't be bothered to hold an emergency session as a new war unfolds. He lays out why this is the worst‑case scenario of an unchecked Trump presidency, why the Constitution is failing as a guardrail, and why both parties—especially House Republicans—must finally step up. Paul explains how Trump is “all gas, no brakes,” wielding the most powerful military on Earth with almost no oversight—and what could happen if he decides to hit Cuba, Mexico, or anywhere else next.  He connects the dots between foreign policy, domestic politics, and public that's stunningly silent on issues of war as Trump keeps piling up the targets.  -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Understanding the Drone War w/ AFSOC Pilot/Drone Expert Nolan Peterson. Khamenei is Dead. Calls for Impeachment. Graham: Cuba is Next. Hegseth vs Ivy League.  The war is on. The U.S. and Israel are continuing major strikes against Iran in what the Pentagon is calling Operation Epic Fury—killing the Ayatollah and triggering a cascade of drone attacks, friendly fire incidents, and four American service members killed in action (so far), while Trump threatens boots on the ground and Congress was home for the weekend and never even bothered to vote on it all. This is not working, America.  In this episode of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff explains and makes sense of the choas–and is joined by returning champion Nolan Peterson—Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, former Air Force Special Operations pilot combat vet, war reporter, Pentagon defense consultant, and co-founder of American Veterans for Ukraine—to explain what is really happening in the skies over Iran, the drone war already reshaping modern combat from Kyiv to Tehran to Tel Aviv, and what could be coming to our own shores from an aviation and drone expert who has spent over a decade living in Kyiv through full-scale war. Paul and Nolan unpack the three ways drones are transforming warfare: tactical battlefield dominance; unconventional strategic operations like Ukraine's Operation Spider Web (which you need to know about), and the reimagining of strategic air power via cheap, mass-produced drones. They confront the nightmare scenario generated by the Iran war of an adversary using that same technology to strike the American homeland and examine what it means that the Pentagon just kicked AI company Anthropic out for refusing to put AI into the kill chain—right before launching a new war. This is the show for people who refuse to zone out, digging into the failures of Congress, the human cost borne by military families, and Nolan's emotional reflections on welcoming home the next generation of veterans; Episode 453 is raw, urgent, and essential listening.  Skip the corporate and partisan media. They can't be trusted. Especially in times like this. Hook into Independent Americans, declare your independence and stay vigilant.  -WATCH full video of this episode here. -See Nolan's Bio and follow him on X.  -To help the families of our fallen servicemembers in this time of unimaginable pain and loss, support the heroic work of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS): https://www.taps.org  -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anthropic Stands Up to Hegseth. Arrest in NYPD Snowstorm Attack. More ICE Carnage. Movers Save Abducted 3-Year Old. Epstein Files Missing Claims Against Trump. Hegseth Attacks…The Boy Scouts.  War with Iran could happen this weekend — and that's not hyperbole. In Episode 451 of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff brings in nuclear policy expert Joe Cirincione to break down what U.S. intelligence actually says about the Iran threat (spoiler: it doesn't back Trump's claims), the terrifying intersection of AI and nuclear weapons, and why removing humans from the kill-decision chain isn't just bad policy — it's existential. Plus: the jaw-dropping standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon, where one of America's top AI companies is refusing to let the government use its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapons. This episode also covers Pakistan declaring open war on Afghanistan, a U.S. military laser accidentally shooting down a CBP drone in El Paso, Hegseth's culture war on the Boy Scouts while real wars loom, a draft executive order seeking expanded presidential control over elections, and ICE's continued lawless rampage — including the death of a blind Buffalo refugee abandoned in the cold. Episode 451 is essential listening for anyone trying to understand the most dangerous national security moment since the Cold War. Subscribe, share, and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Rieckhoff is stuck in Florida — airports shut down, snowstorm paralyzing the Northeast — but he's not going quiet. In this special episode, Paul breaks down Trump's State of the Union address in real time, delivering the sharpest analysis you won't hear anywhere else. The speech clocked in as the longest State of the Union ever delivered. Trump spent exactly three minutes on Iran — roughly 90 minutes in. Paul calls it what it is: a missed opportunity, a half-made case, and a failure of presidential responsibility. The core issue isn't whether military action against Iran is on the table — it clearly is. The pieces are in place. The forces are arrayed. Paul knows what that looks like firsthand; he was in Iraq when the U.S. went to war in 2003. What's missing from Trump's address is the one thing every commander-in-chief owes the American people before pulling the trigger: an honest accounting of the cost. No mention of consulting Congress. No coalition of allies. No preparation for what a long conflict — with real American casualties — could mean. Trump's approval rating among independents sits at 26%, down ten points from last year. That number tells the story. Then there's Ukraine. The United States just abstained from a United Nations vote affirming support for Ukraine — standing alongside Saudi Arabia. On the four-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. Paul, who founded American Veterans for Ukraine, doesn't mince words: it's a black mark on America's record, a moment that demanded moral clarity, and a president who chose silence instead. Finally, New York City. Paul weighs in on the viral NYPD snowball incident — where officers were pelted with ice by a mob — and the new mayor's stunning failure to stand with his police department. Paul breaks down why this moment matters far beyond one incident, and what it signals about a mayor who came into office with the lowest trust from the NYPD in recent memory. This is Independent Americans: straight talk, no party loyalty, and the five I's to keep you connected. Stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two Medals of Honor Awarded. Dem's Spanberger Response Better Than Usual. Cuban Government Shoots 4 Americans on a Speedboat. Obama Legacy's Signature a Slam Dunk. The State of the Union is over — but the real story is what Trump didn't say. In Episode 449, Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the longest SOTU in American history: two hours of pageantry, 103 standing ovations, and a president who gave 20 seconds to Ukraine on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion while quietly beating the war drums on Iran. Paul cuts through the noise to find the moments that actually mattered — including a 100-year-old Korean War hero finally receiving his Medal of Honor, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer honored for saving 169 lives, and Army veteran George Redis, detained by ICE and then released without a phone call or a lawyer, sitting in the chamber as a living indictment of an out-of-control federal agency. While most Americans tuned out before 11 PM, Paul stayed locked in. He breaks down the Democratic response — led by Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA officer who delivered arguably the strongest opposition address in recent memory — and the organized Democratic boycott that sent dozens of members to a counter-programming event on the National Mall. He also zeroes in on the Epstein files, where Representative Thomas Massie is asking the question millions of Americans want answered: why are there still no arrests in the United States while resignations pile up worldwide? Then it's below the radar: breaking news out of Cuba, where the Cuban government shot four Americans aboard a Florida-based speedboat. Paul connects the dots — Trump's pressure campaign, Rubio's long-stated goal of regime change, and how this incident could become the pretext for the next military strike. Back at home, he doesn't let up on ICE, playing the raw interview with Elia Rahmet — the woman dragged from her car in Minneapolis, both shoulders torn — and demanding accountability by name. Plus: Mayor Adams failing the NYPD in Washington Square Park, Tommy Tuberville earning his "Senator Redneck" title again, and something good: the Obama Presidential Library's basketball court and Bruce Springsteen bringing Tom Morello on every stop of his tour. Paul also shares big news — he'll be appearing on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert in the coming weeks, and Sebastian Junger is confirmed for next week's episode. If you believe America's future belongs to independent thinkers, not party loyalists — this is your show. Country over party. People over politics. Stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump's Approval Hits New Low with Independents Ahead of State of the Union. Whistleblower Blasts ICE Training. 4 Years of the Ukraine War.  Women's Hockey Declines Trump Invite.   For decades, Mike Duggan was a Democrat. He ran Detroit, guided the city through bankruptcy, cut crime to 60-year lows, and built 6,000 housing units in one of America's most storied cities. Then he looked at what was happening in Lansing — Republicans and Democrats unable to speak to each other, state budgets arriving three months late, schools opening without funding — and made a decision that's shaking up Michigan politics: he declared his independence. Duggan joins Paul Rieckhoff on Independent Americans for an extended conversation about why he walked away from the party that shaped his career, what it actually takes to run as an independent, and why the latest polling has him in a dead-even three-way race for governor of Michigan — tied with both the leading Democrat and Republican. He talks about the unions that crossed over to endorse him, his decision to build a campaign on house calls rather than party machinery, and why he believes the Democrat and the Republican are the real spoilers in this race — not him. Paul and Mike also go head-to-head on the hardest issues: tariffs devastating Michigan's auto industry, ICE operations in Detroit and across the country, the State of the Union, and how an independent governor deals with a president who has picked fights with governors of both parties. Duggan's answers aren't always what you'd expect — and Paul doesn't let him off the hook. This is what independent politics looks like in real time. Hard choices and hard questions. But if the independent wave hits this fall on Election Day, this race in Michigan will be the forward edge. And you probably heard it here first.  -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Iran Attacks Still Loom. Vets Sue Trump Over His Stupid Arch. More ICE Violence. Lessons from Ukraine's Drone War for Europe. Vets & VFW Blast Collins. Celebrating the Olympics. Stuck in Tampa while a historic snowpocalypse buries much of America, Army vet and Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff rips through a wild 48 hours in politics, national security and sports—and what it all means for you. From a bomb-cyclone shutting down the Northeast to Trump boasting he can “destroy countries” while massing U.S. firepower around Iran, Paul tracks rising risks of war with Iran, unrest in Mexico after cartel boss El Mencho's killing, and covert strikes off Venezuela in a dangerous new phase of unchecked presidential power.​ He digs into ICE's culture of impunity—from the killing of a U.S. citizen in Texas to an 80-year-old lawyer slammed to the ground in California—and why he believes the agency's broken culture can't be fixed and must be shut down, while exposing FBI Director Kash Patel's Olympics “boondoggle,” beer-chugging locker-room photo op, and Trump's “boondoggliest” cabinet. Paul also spotlights real pushback: veterans forcing the VA to halt a radical benefits rule, lawsuits to stop Trump's absurd 250-foot arch that would block the view from Arlington, and Ukraine's three-year fight against Russia and drone warfare that's reshaping modern combat.​ And there's still room for hope: Alysa Liu's joyful figure-skating gold, dominant U.S. women's hockey, and a legendary U.S. men's overtime win offer a powerful alternative face of America—and a reminder of the toughness and leadership of American women athletes under political pressure. No guests, no fluff—just a rapid-fire, independent briefing to start your week, whether you're digging out from the snow or under the Florida sun, with the independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact you expect from Independent Americans—and a call to look out for your neighbors, stand with veterans and Ukraine, and stay vigilant. -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tackling ICE Accountability. Trump's Latest Iran War Could Happen Any Minute Now. Tariffs Harm to Wisconsin Farmers.  Wisconsin's 6th District hasn't elected anyone but a Republican to Congress since 1967. But Mike Thurow — a union fire captain, hazmat team commander, and father of four — thinks the district isn't red or blue. It's fed up. Thurow recently declared his independent candidacy for Congress, and his message is simple: Washington is burning, and politicians from both parties are watching. As a trained firefighter, he says his job is to show up, do the work, and never ask who you're going to save before you save them. That's the exact opposite of what he sees in Congress right now — and he's running to change it. Paul and Mike cover the top stories shaking the country this week. ICE and the line between good public safety and trust, masked agents without badges destroying community trust that makes any law enforcement possible — and that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's disqualifying conduct. With ships moving into position and Trump threatening strikes on Iran, the Constitution requiring a congressional declaration of war, and Trump's broader record: "I think we've dropped bombs on seven different countries at this point. That's not no more foreign wars." Thurow is running in a district that went hard for Trump — and he gets why. He understands the rage, the frustration with a two-party system that's been bought and paid for by corporations and billionaires while working people get left behind. He's not taking corporate PAC money. He's not interested in party bosses. He's a union firefighter who taught hazmat response to every fire department in the district and says signatures will come easy because the people already know him — and they're ready for an off-ramp. As he puts it: "The most patriotic thing you can do is call out when we're falling short of our principles." This is the latest in IA's ongoing Meet the Independent Candidate Series. Mike Thurow represents the kind of leader this show and millions of Americans have been calling for — someone with real-world experience, real accountability, and zero interest in which jersey you're wearing. If you want a firefighter in Congress, head to thurowforcongress.com to donate, volunteer, and help get him on the ballot. Signatures open in April — Wisconsin voters, your moment is coming. -WATCH video of this episode on our YouTube channel. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ICE, Noem and The War on Free Elections. Ukraine Won the Olympics. Prince Andrew Arrested in England Over Epstein Ties. Hegseth, Tuberville Continue to Embrace Dumb Ideas. Spring Training a Homerun. The drumbeats of war are growing louder. In this solo episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff reports that President Trump has signaled the U.S. military could strike Iran within ten days — with zero congressional authorization, zero public debate, and zero accountability. Congress is rolling over, America's sons and daughters are in harm's way, and the American people deserve a vote. Meanwhile at home, Paul holds nothing back on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who reportedly pulled a Coast Guard search-and-rescue aircraft away from a missing 21-year-old service member to prioritize a deportation flight, and on ICE's escalating cruelty — including a nine-year-old girl detained in San Antonio for eight months and the heartbreaking death of Ophelia Torres, a 16-year-old who fought cancer while her father was held by ICE. These are not statistics. Paul refuses to let their stories disappear. Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth's culture war rages on. Paul breaks down Hegseth's move to block military members from enrolling at Harvard, Duke, Johns Hopkins, and dozens more elite universities — followed by the VA's decision to strip veterans of their post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at those same schools. Denmark, one of America's most steadfast NATO allies, now views the U.S. as an adversary, with 60% of Danes saying so. Paul also covers Venezuela strikes without congressional approval, the staggering losses in Ukraine, and a personal word about the courage of Stephen Colbert and the growing chorus of ordinary Americans pushing back. Paul closes on something good: spring training. He was at Yankees practice in Tampa Bay this morning, where his boys got balls signed by Aaron Judge — proof that community, access, and joy are still very much alive. Episode 445 ends with a clear mission: country over party, people over politics. If you're among the 45% of Americans who call themselves independent, this is your show. Stay vigilant. -WATCH video of this episode on our YouTube channel. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reviving the Citizen Soldier Ethos. War Face vs Society. Remembering the Founder's Vision. Lessons Learned in Ukraine and Afghanistan. Army Ranger Adrian Bonenberger has just thrown his hat in the ring for Governor of Connecticut — as an independent. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Paul Rieckhoff, Bonenberger unveils the centerpiece of his campaign: reviving the Connecticut State Guard as a voluntary, citizen-soldier force that would decentralize defense, create meaningful service opportunities for ordinary Americans, and counter the overreach of a federal government that has increasingly turned law enforcement into a militarized tool against its own citizens. The two combat veterans pull no punches on ICE — comparing its enforcement culture to the military's "warrior ethos" and explaining why deploying a kill-or-be-killed mindset against civilians is not just dangerous, but a fundamental betrayal of the founders' vision. Bonenberger draws on his experiences training troops in Afghanistan and volunteer fighters in Ukraine to make the case that America's civil-military divide is a national security vulnerability — and that a voluntary state guard is the constitutional remedy hiding in plain sight. Bonenberger also reflects on post-industrial New England, why Congress is effectively unfixable, ballot access hurdles facing independent candidates, and why he believes the governor's office is where real change can happen on day one. About Adrian Bonenberger: Adrian Bonenberger is an Army Ranger, Afghanistan combat veteran, journalist, and author. He co-founded American Veterans for Ukraine alongside Paul Rieckhoff and Bonnie Carroll and has lectured at Springfield College in Massachusetts. He is now running for Governor of Connecticut as an independent. -WATCH video of this episode on our YouTube channel. -Learn more and support Adrian's candidacy for Governor of Connecticut here. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ICE's New Disturbing Low. Is NATO Dead? Thoughts on the End of the Iraq War. Snowpocalypse ‘26. Garry Newman is Something Good. And So Are Our Allies. On this special bonus episode of Independent Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff cuts through a blizzard of news and chaos with retired four-star General Barry McCaffrey. From Trump at Davos mocking allies and floating military action toward Greenland, to ICE crackdowns stretching from Minneapolis to Maine and talk of deploying the 11th Airborne toward American cities, it is a deep, unflinching look at a country on the brink of something very dangerous.​ McCaffrey details how the Trump White House has shattered global trust, why he believes NATO as we knew it is effectively dead, and how turning ICE and federal law enforcement into camouflaged, armored shock troops erodes vital trust between cops and communities. He explains the real-world implications of Trump's threats to “wipe Iran off the face of the earth,” his pirate-like seizures of Venezuelan oil, and his efforts to use the Army-Navy game, the National Guard, and active-duty forces as partisan political props. Paul and the General also dig into the quiet end of the U.S. troop presence in Iraq, the lessons of Vietnam and the War on Terror, the danger of believing war can be easy or bloodless, and the collapse of once-strong national security institutions.​ You'll hear McCaffrey's blunt assessment of Trump as a lawless, destabilizing commander in chief, his concern that the United States now looks like a “predator nation,” and his warning that law enforcement and the military are being dangerously politicized in ways that will take at least a decade to repair. Paul weaves in his own on-the-ground perspective—from CNN and NewsNation hits to his work with American Veterans for Ukraine and his fight against ICE abuses that are traumatizing kids like five-year-old Liam Ramos—alongside moments of hope, from Randy Newman's music to stories of French allies who promise to “be there” when America is in trouble. It is a conversation that embodies the five I's—independence, integrity, inspiration, information, and impact—at a time when Americans are increasingly independent and hungry for trustworthy voices and real perspective. 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 new year.  -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.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Ways to listen: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram  Social channels: X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on America in the MorningSenate Hearing On Boat Attacks The Navy Admiral who the White House says made the decision to strike a suspected drug smuggling boat out of Venezuela a second time told lawmakers the strike was lawful and necessary, but some of those lawmakers aren't so sure.  John Stolnis has more from Washington.   Alleged January 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect Captured Calling it good, diligent police work, the FBI and Department of Justice swooped in and arrested the man they claim planted pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC headquarters the night before the January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports the man's home was just a 45 minute drive from the US Capitol.  Texas Redistricting OK'd For Now The US Supreme Court has cleared the way for Texas to use their new congressional map that sparked a mid-decade redistricting war of states by adding up to five Republican seats to their delegation.   No Indictment For Letitia James In a blow to the Department of Justice and the Trump administration, a grand jury has declined to indict New York's attorney general after the first case against her was dismissed.  America in the Morning's Jeff McKay has details.   Air Force Jet Crash Military investigators are trying to figure out what led an Air Force jet to crash in California.  Correspondent Mike Hempen reports.   Veteran Can Now Retire Just in time for the holidays - acts of kindness from strangers around the world helped to raise over a million dollars for an American Veteran to retire.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.     Putin Dampens Peace Prospects While the White House is optimistic, both Russia and the European Union are pessimistic regarding the meeting this week between US envoys and Kremlin leadership over talks to end the war in Ukraine.  Correspondent Karen Chammas reports that after the meeting with US officials, Vladimir Putin warned that Ukrainian troops must immediately withdraw from the Donbas region, or Russia's military will take it by force – a move that Ukraine's President says will not happen.   Pushback Against Guard Deployments The Trump administration is not backing away from its plans to crackdown on immigration, despite protests in New Orleans and pushback from the mayor of Minneapolis.  Correspondent Clayton Neville has the latest.   Major Arrest In Florida A Florida man faces federal charges after being busted with an arsenal of weapons and tons of drugs, many more powerful than morphine.  Correspondent Joan Jones has details of what police called a criminal operation that was “Breaking Bad on steroids.”   House Obamacare Plan With the clock ticking louder on fixing Obamacare, a bipartisan group of centrist lawmakers on Thursday unveiled a two-year extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.   Mangione's Day In Court New details emerged in a New York court involving the man arrested and charged with the death of United HealthCare's CEO.  Ed Dohonue has the story.   Guard OK'd For DC The US Court of Appeals has cleared the way for the Trump administration to continue its National Guard deployment in Washington, DC.   Jobless Claims Down There was good news on the labor front as jobless claims hit a 3-year-low for the Thanksgiving week, but Wall Street still has concerns over a high number of layoffs.  The details from correspondent Haya Panjwani.   Tech News About 92 million Venmo users were unable to pay for anything on Thursday, after a mysterious outage took the payment app offline for several hours.  Chuck Palm has that in today's tech report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 2 of our conversation with USAF Tech Sgt. Anthony Dyer (Ret), we revisit the 2018 combat rescue mission in East Africa that began in chaos - runaway weapons, jettisoned flares, and broken comms - and ended with a high-risk landing under fire to evacuate wounded teammates. Anthony reflects on the loss of an American operator that day, what the motto “These things we do, that others may live” means in the moments that matter, and how those events shaped him long after the mission was over. He also opens up about the difficult transition out of the military, identity loss, drinking, confronting trauma, and how therapy, medication, and writing his memoir Moonchild helped him rebuild purpose as a husband, father, and storyteller. A raw and deeply human look at service, sacrifice, and healing.American Veteran's Crisis Line (24/7 confidential crisis support):Dial 988 then press 1 ORText 838255To contact Anthony for speaking engagements etc, you can reach him at anthonyp.dyer@gmail.comTo buy his book you can visit Barnes and Noble or Amazon at the following links (or simply Google "Moon Child Anthony Dyer for many options):https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moon-child-anthony-dyer/1147103074https://www.amazon.ca/Moon-Child-Special-Missions-Aviator/dp/B0DZMXBHJ4

In Part 1 of our conversation with USAF Tech Sgt. Anthony Dyer (Ret), host Bryan Morrison explores Anthony's journey from growing up in the Appalachian Mountains to serving as an aerial gunner on the legendary AC-130H Spectre gunship. Anthony walks us through his early Air Force years as an F-15E weapons loader, the impact of 9/11, his transition to firefighting, and the demanding pipeline that led him into special operations aviation. He shares what it's like to fire a 105 mm cannon from the sky, the pressure of close air support, his baptism of fire on his first combat mission, and how writing his memoir Moonchild helped him confront trauma and rebuild. A powerful, honest look at service, resilience, and life inside one of the most iconic aircraft in the world. American Veteran's Crisis Line (24/7 confidential crisis support):Dial 988 then press 1 ORText 838255To contact Anthony for speaking engagements etc, you can reach him at anthonyp.dyer@gmail.com To buy his book you can visit Barnes and Noble or Amazon at the following links (or simply Google "Moon Child Anthony Dyer for many options):https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moon-child-anthony-dyer/1147103074https://www.amazon.ca/Moon-Child-Special-Missions-Aviator/dp/B0DZMXBHJ4

For Veterans Day, Paul Rieckhoff, independent national security, veterans affairs and political analyst, host of the Independent Americans podcast, founder & CEO of Independent Veterans of America, co-founder of American Veterans for Ukraine, and founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), discusses how vets are viewing the changes Pete Hegseth is making to the armed forces, and how well they feel they are being taken care of under Hegseth and the Trump administration.

On Veterans Day, we explore recent changes to the US military under Pete Hegseth.On Today's Show:Paul Rieckhoff, independent national security, veterans affairs and political analyst, host of the Independent Americans podcast, founder & CEO, Independent Veterans of America, co-founder of American Veterans for Ukraine, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), discusses how vets are viewing the changes Pete Hegseth is making to the armed forces, and how well they feel they are being taken care of under Hegseth and the Trump administration. 

Filmmaker and U.S. Air Force veteran Ryan Begay (Diné) set out to bring some of the stories of others Native American veterans to a broader audience. In the process, he brings those stories, especially those of Native women who serve in the military to life, in the documentary, "Honor Song". We'll hear about the film and from some of those featured in it. Another Air Force veteran, Steven Sibley (Cherokee), also saw a need to connect with fellow military veterans and to provide a better source of information about the resources and benefits available to veterans and their family members. He now is co-publisher of the free Oklahoma Veterans News Magazine. We'll talk with him about his service in the military and ways veterans can connect with the benefits available to them. GUESTS Ryan Begay (Diné), producer, director, actor, and Air Force veteran Cassie Velarde Neher (Jicarilla Apache), Navy veteran and doctoral student at the University of New Mexico Darrell Charlee (Diné), Air Force Master Sgt. Steven Sibley (Delaware by blood and Cherokee by the Dawes Roll), retired, disabled veteran living in Oklahoma, and a co-publisher of Oklahoma Veterans New Magazine

A Kansas City historian is preserving the stories of Mexican Americans who served during Vietnam. The new oral history project is titled "In Their Own Words: Mexican American Vietnam Era Veterans."

William Smith was a Native American, who relocated to Chicago. Some high school students in Illinois co-produced a film on his life, which is to be screened at Chicago's Goodman Theater this weekend.    The 21st Show is Illinois' statewide weekday public radio talk show, connecting Illinois and bringing you the news, culture, and stories that matter to the 21st state. Have thoughts on the show or one of our episodes, or want to share an idea for something we should talk about? Send us an email: talk@21stshow.org. If you'd like to have your say as we're planning conversations, join our texting group! Just send the word "TALK" to (217) 803-0730. Subscribe to our podcast and hear our latest conversations.   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6PT6pb0 Find past segments, links to our social media and more at our website: 21stshow.org.

Filmmaker and U.S. Air Force veteran Ryan Begay (Diné) set out to bring some of the stories of others Native American veterans to a broader audience. In the process, he brings those stories, especially those of Native women who serve in the military to life, in the documentary, "Honor Song". We'll hear about the film and from some of those featured in it. Another Air Force veteran, Steven Sibley (Cherokee), also saw a need to connect with fellow military veterans and to provide a better source of information about the resources and benefits available to veterans and their family members. He now is co-publisher of the free Oklahoma Veterans News Magazine. We'll talk with him about his service in the military and ways veterans can connect with the benefits available to them.

This week, we're recorded live from the 16th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic. Join us as we speak with MMFF leadership and board members, and connect with the Chanhassen American Legion Post 580 and Volunteers for American Veterans to explore how their golf events support the MMFF. Guests include: Chairman Bill Popp – […] The post The 16th Annual MMFF Golf Classic appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Producers note: Folks, if you've been following this show for a while now, you know we go hard. All of the time. From last week's event in Washington DC to upcoming events later this year, to the non-stop news appearances (not to mention I make Paul walk around New York filming himself talking into a camera), to the multiple organizations he's helping run (Independent Veterans of America, American Veterans for Ukraine, Operation Liberty), we keep the hammer down.  But like Paul's mentor Les Gelb taught him, if you don't take a break you get stupid, and we don't want to get stupid. So today, we're taking a break. And throwing it back to one of our most popular guests and popular episodes with an American Icon that is in the headlines, and in Trump's crosshairs. So this week we're jumping in the Righteous Media time machine and traveling way way back to Episode 78 from September 24, 2020 with Stephen Colbert. It's a great conversation and one we think you'll enjoy revisiting. From Episode 78: “Fear is the mind killer. If you're laughing you're not afraid.” Wise words in this groundbreaking new episode from a truly iconic guest: Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome). [06:14] Stephen joins us from his home–uninterrupted and unedited in this fun, candid and inspiring episode. As we enter the most trying and important fall of our lifetime, Angry Americans is bringing in the big guns to get you through this trying time. And there are few bigger than Stephen Colbert.   President Mayhem is sheer chaos. He's doing anything and everything he can to disrupt our country, our unity and our day. And this conversation is the antidote. Stephen and host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) break down the current state of the country and what the future might hold. Stephen beams in from his home office and shares wisdom, jokes and some amazing stories. He talks about his trip to Iraq to visit the troops and why he shaved his head while he was there. His first car story is one of the best we've ever had. His answer to what makes him happy is heartwarming. But also painful. And expensive. This is Stephen Colbert like you've never heard him before. You'll just have to listen.  Because Independent Americans is built on the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And this episode has it in spades. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. It's the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's built for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent and we're proud to stand with you.  -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.  -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Producers note: Folks, if you've been following this show for a while now, you know we go hard. All of the time. From last week's event in Washington DC to upcoming events later this year, to the non-stop news appearances (not to mention I make Paul walk around New York filming himself talking into a camera), to the multiple organizations he's helping run (Independent Veterans of America, American Veterans for Ukraine, Operation Liberty), we keep the hammer down.  But like Paul's mentor Les Gelb taught him, if you don't take a break you get stupid, and we don't want to get stupid. So today, we're taking a break. And throwing it back to one of our most popular guests and popular episodes with an American Icon that is in the headlines, and in Trump's crosshairs. So this week we're jumping in the Righteous Media time machine and traveling way way back to Episode 78 from September 24, 2020 with Stephen Colbert. It's a great conversation and one we think you'll enjoy revisiting. From Episode 78: “Fear is the mind killer. If you're laughing you're not afraid.” Wise words in this groundbreaking new episode from a truly iconic guest: Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome). [06:14] Stephen joins us from his home–uninterrupted and unedited in this fun, candid and inspiring episode. As we enter the most trying and important fall of our lifetime, Angry Americans is bringing in the big guns to get you through this trying time. And there are few bigger than Stephen Colbert.   President Mayhem is sheer chaos. He's doing anything and everything he can to disrupt our country, our unity and our day. And this conversation is the antidote. Stephen and host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) break down the current state of the country and what the future might hold. Stephen beams in from his home office and shares wisdom, jokes and some amazing stories. He talks about his trip to Iraq to visit the troops and why he shaved his head while he was there. His first car story is one of the best we've ever had. His answer to what makes him happy is heartwarming. But also painful. And expensive. This is Stephen Colbert like you've never heard him before. You'll just have to listen.  Because Independent Americans is built on the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And this episode has it in spades. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. It's the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's built for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent and we're proud to stand with you.  -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.  -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contemporary veterans belong to an exclusive American group. Celebrated by most of the country, they are nevertheless often poorly understood by the same people who applaud their service. Following the introduction of an all-volunteer force after the war in Vietnam, only a tiny fraction of Americans now join the armed services, making the contemporary soldier, and the veteran by extension, increasingly less representative of mainstream society. Veterans have come to comprise their own distinct tribe--modern praetorians, permanently set apart from society by what they have seen and experienced. In an engrossing narrative that considers the military, economic, political, and social developments affecting military service after Vietnam, Michael D. Gambone investigates how successive generations have intentionally shaped their identity as veterans. The New Praetorians: American Veterans, Society, and Service from Vietnam to the Forever War (University of Massachusetts Press, 2021) also highlights the impact of their homecoming, the range of educational opportunities open to veterans, the health care challenges they face, and the unique experiences of minority and women veterans. This groundbreaking study illustrates an important and often neglected group that is key to our understanding of American social history and civil-military affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Contemporary veterans belong to an exclusive American group. Celebrated by most of the country, they are nevertheless often poorly understood by the same people who applaud their service. Following the introduction of an all-volunteer force after the war in Vietnam, only a tiny fraction of Americans now join the armed services, making the contemporary soldier, and the veteran by extension, increasingly less representative of mainstream society. Veterans have come to comprise their own distinct tribe--modern praetorians, permanently set apart from society by what they have seen and experienced. In an engrossing narrative that considers the military, economic, political, and social developments affecting military service after Vietnam, Michael D. Gambone investigates how successive generations have intentionally shaped their identity as veterans. The New Praetorians: American Veterans, Society, and Service from Vietnam to the Forever War (University of Massachusetts Press, 2021) also highlights the impact of their homecoming, the range of educational opportunities open to veterans, the health care challenges they face, and the unique experiences of minority and women veterans. This groundbreaking study illustrates an important and often neglected group that is key to our understanding of American social history and civil-military affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

Contemporary veterans belong to an exclusive American group. Celebrated by most of the country, they are nevertheless often poorly understood by the same people who applaud their service. Following the introduction of an all-volunteer force after the war in Vietnam, only a tiny fraction of Americans now join the armed services, making the contemporary soldier, and the veteran by extension, increasingly less representative of mainstream society. Veterans have come to comprise their own distinct tribe--modern praetorians, permanently set apart from society by what they have seen and experienced. In an engrossing narrative that considers the military, economic, political, and social developments affecting military service after Vietnam, Michael D. Gambone investigates how successive generations have intentionally shaped their identity as veterans. The New Praetorians: American Veterans, Society, and Service from Vietnam to the Forever War (University of Massachusetts Press, 2021) also highlights the impact of their homecoming, the range of educational opportunities open to veterans, the health care challenges they face, and the unique experiences of minority and women veterans. This groundbreaking study illustrates an important and often neglected group that is key to our understanding of American social history and civil-military affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Contemporary veterans belong to an exclusive American group. Celebrated by most of the country, they are nevertheless often poorly understood by the same people who applaud their service. Following the introduction of an all-volunteer force after the war in Vietnam, only a tiny fraction of Americans now join the armed services, making the contemporary soldier, and the veteran by extension, increasingly less representative of mainstream society. Veterans have come to comprise their own distinct tribe--modern praetorians, permanently set apart from society by what they have seen and experienced. In an engrossing narrative that considers the military, economic, political, and social developments affecting military service after Vietnam, Michael D. Gambone investigates how successive generations have intentionally shaped their identity as veterans. The New Praetorians: American Veterans, Society, and Service from Vietnam to the Forever War (University of Massachusetts Press, 2021) also highlights the impact of their homecoming, the range of educational opportunities open to veterans, the health care challenges they face, and the unique experiences of minority and women veterans. This groundbreaking study illustrates an important and often neglected group that is key to our understanding of American social history and civil-military affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

On this Memorial Day, we turn to the life and legacy of Yukio Kawamoto. The Japanese-American World War II veteran served his country under almost unthinkable circumstances and then spent a lifetime building bridges between the two cultures he called his own. Amna Nawaz has the story for our ongoing series, Race Matters. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

More than 42,000 Native Americans served in the military during the Vietnam War, the vast majority as volunteers. They faced racist and stereotypical taunts from fellow service members. After their service, veterans suffered psychological and emotional trauma at a higher rate than other populations. As the nation marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon and the end of the war, we'll hear from Native Vietnam veterans about what the conflict means to them now. This is an encore show so we won't be taking live calls from listeners.

Elon Musk gets candid about his recommitment to Tesla. The US Homeland Security secretary incorrectly defined a legal principle the president may suspend. Scientists are giving a new warning about the world's ice sheets. One of nine Americans declared wrongfully detained in Venezuela has been released. Plus, we'll tell you who took the stand today in the trial of Sean ‘Diddy' Combs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than 42,000 Native Americans served in the military during the Vietnam War, the vast majority as volunteers. They faced racist and stereotypical taunts from fellow service members. After their service, veterans suffered psychological and emotional trauma at a higher rate than other populations. As the nation marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon and the end of the war, we'll hear from Native Vietnam veterans about what the conflict means to them now.

Six String Hayride Classic Country Podcast, Episode 56. Johnny Cash and The Ballad of Ira Hayes. Respect for the Legacy and Memory of Heroic American Military Members who have been recently removed or marginalized by dishonest alterations to the Arlington National Cemetery and Department of Defense Records / Archives. Johnny Cash "Ballad of Ira Hayes", "Drive On" and "Redemption Songs" , John Prine "Sam Stone", and Woody Guthrie "This Land is Your Land." A look at the Military Service of well respected musicians and their use of music to show respect for the legacy of American Veterans. Chris and Jim discuss the recent Whitewashing of American Veterans Legacies , the deliberate dishonest manipulation of history, and the lack of respect currently being shown to American Military Members. Johnny Cash gave respect to the Legacy of Marine Ira Hayes back in 1964, we have a responsibility to follow that example today to speak against the whitewashing of our history. Johnny Cash was ahead of his time with The Ballad of Ira Hayes and now it is our turn to honor Johnny's good advice. Thank You.

The Independent Budget podcast is an annual collaboration by DAV, PVA and VFW. It recommends budget priorities for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This conversation highlights the critical need for consistent and adequate VA funding to ensure veterans receive necessary healthcare, benefits and long-term care. This group podcast advocates for a veteran-centric approach to VA budgeting, emphasizing the importance of timely and accessible care and responsible spending to honor the services of American Veterans.

Brittany Parks returns, with news on an organization that she represents - Concerned Veterans for America (www.cv4a.org). Brittany brings an appeal for us all to be involved in advocating for vets by calling our congressmen on some important current issues.

In this heartfelt discussion, Jim Chancellor, U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Veteran and President of the American Veterans Collection, shares his mission to support veterans in need. Through his non-profit organization, Jim is dedicated to helping veterans with housing, employment, and legal support. He addresses the challenges veterans face, including PTSD, homelessness, and post-service struggles, while emphasizing the importance of leading by example for today's youth. Jim also speaks about his involvement in veterans' treatment courts and the importance of rebuilding lives through community support. Join us for an inspiring conversation on how we can all help veterans find hope and healing.