Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

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

Episodes

387. Independent Senator Angus King. Does Hegseth Need to Go NOW? War Crimes Hearings When? Why Did ADM Holsey Resign? SignalGate Investigation Finally Done. Can The Senate Stop Trump on Venezuela? His Disgusting New Attack—on Somalis. Sabrina Carpenter.

December 3, 2025 • 32 mins

In this urgent episode ripped from the top political and national security headlines, host Paul Rieckhoff talks with the only truly Independent Senator and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee: Maine’s Angus King. King returns to the show to answer tough questions, share the latest from inside the Senate, and break down Hegseth's "kill everybody" directive amid shifting stories on the strikes that killed dozens, including ...

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386. Jason Dempsey. Is Hegseth Going Down Over This? Why Double-Tapping is Wrong. Spotlight on Adm. Bradley. No Scapegoats. Afghani Experience: Trauma, Transition and Empty Promises. “Driscoll is Measuring Drapes.” The Kids Are OK. Tree Lighting Week.

December 2, 2025 • 51 mins

Paul Rieckhoff catches up with scholar-warrior Dr. Jason Dempsey, a veteran whose career spans deployments in Afghanistan, work inside the White House, and now powerful advocacy and research on the state of America’s military. The two dive into headline events—recent attacks, controversial military decisions, and the dangerous rise of performative “tough guy” politics. Dempsey unpacks why the rules of war must stand, why leadership...

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385. Dan Lamothe. Washington Post’s NATSEC Reporter Caught in the Crossfire. Who Gave the Double Tap Order? Is it a War Crime? Hegseth & Trump vs the Press. Laura Loomer & Deskgate. Are Venezuela Strikes Imminent? WV Gov Posts Incorrect Troop Deaths.

December 1, 2025 • 45 mins

In this must-hear breaking news episode, host Paul Rieckhoff and Washington Post Pentagon reporter and returning guest Dan Lamothe dig into the shocking September 2 “drug boat” strike that allegedly included a second “double tap” hit on survivors in the water—and why this may become the first real legal and political test of Trump’s controversial boat strike campaign. They unpack who gave which orders, what Congress can demand, how...

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384. Jon Bernthal (Replay). The Iconic Actor Gets Real About America at a Crossroads. Defining Toughness, and Insurrectionist Using The Punisher Skull. George Floyd, Fatherhood, Sativa, DMX, Pitbulls. Biden's Afghanistan Drawdown.

November 28, 2025 • 47 mins

In this classic April 2021 conversation, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff sits down with actor Jon Bernthal for a raw, unfiltered look at America at a breaking point—through the eyes of a storyteller who has spent years playing warriors, cops and complicated men on the edge. They dig into service, violence, fatherhood, justice and what it really means to “have someone’s back” when the cameras are off and the country is in ...

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383. Paul Rieckhoff. Part Two: The 2025 IVA Winners Circle Town Hall. The Rise of Service-First Politics. From Mechanic to Movement Leader in the Heartland. Grassroots Veterans Challenge Big Money Politics. A New Home for Politically Homeless Patriots.

November 27, 2025 • 35 mins

This special Thanksgiving edition brings you part two of a dynamic Independent Veterans of America Winners Circle Town Hall featuring IVA 2026 Senate candidates Ty Pinkins of Mississippi and Dan Osborn of Nebraska—two independent veterans who are taking on entrenched incumbents, big money, and a broken two-party system. From New York City on Thanksgiving Day, Paul sets the table with gratitude for servicemembers, military familie...

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382. Paul Rieckhoff. Part One: The 2025 IVA Winners Circle Town Hall. Independent Veteran Candidates Share Their Victories and Challenges. Open Primaries and Ranked Choice vs A Stacked Deck. How an Independent Fulcrum Can Be the Leverage to Fix Our Future

November 26, 2025 • 36 mins

As we head into Thanksgiving we've got a special Veterans Day “Winners Circle” town hall that brings together Independent Veterans of America (IVA) candidates who are changing American politics from the ground up. Independent Americans host and IVA founder Paul Rieckhoff moderates a powerful, unfiltered conversation with two newly‑elected independent veterans—Mike Procuk (Frederick County, VA School Board) and Toby Proctor (North G...

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381. Paul Rieckhoff. If They Do It to Sen Mark Kelly, They Can Do It to You: The Threat to 2M Military Retirees. The FBI & Pentagon: Trump’s New Dual Political Attack. Ukraine on the Edge. 68 Boxes of 9/11 Info. Chiefs v Cowboys. Duffle Blog For The Win.

November 25, 2025 • 20 mins

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips through one of the most urgent, dangerous stories in American politics right now: Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth’s unprecedented weaponization of the Department of Defense and FBI against Senator Mark Kelly and five other members of Congress, and millions of military retirees—just days before Thanksgiving. Coming to you from the new MS Now (formerly MSNBC) headquarters...

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380. Jon Thorp. Independent Veteran Running in TN-7 Special Election Next Week. Trump’s Biggest Test Since Election Day. Running Against Both Extremes. Why He Left the GOP. Facing Down Democrat Super PACs BS. Hegseth and Trump Go After Senator Kelly.

November 24, 2025 • 37 mins

Next week in Tennessee, the biggest and most important election since Election Day is happening. And it could be a key bellwether for the mid-term elections next year. But most of America doesn’t know it’s happening. Or that an independent veteran is running in it. But this fascinating and intense race is a reflection of all that is broken in American politics today. And also, may give you hope for the future. Can the Republicans...

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379. Admiral Bill McRaven. Clarity in This Chaos. Trump’s Dangerous Sedition Comments. What Are Illegal Orders? A Bad Ukraine Peace Deal. Mamdani vs Trump. Will He Run for President? Education As a NatSec Priority. Friday Football: Don’t Mess with Texas.

November 21, 2025 • 34 mins

Admiral Bill McRaven joins Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for episode 379 of Independent Americans, diving deep into America’s leadership crisis, political toxicity, and how core values shape our future. This is the guy we all need to hear from RIGHT NOW. Navy SEAL, former Commander of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), former Chancellor of the Texas University System, Best Selling Author, grandfat...

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378. Asha Rangappa. “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”- Trump to Dems. What Orders Might be Illegal? Venezuela Boat Strikes and the AUMF. Comey, Epstein and the Courts. “We’re Already in a Constitutional Crisis.” College Tours and Love Is Blind.

November 20, 2025 • 38 mins

In a week where political rhetoric reaches new levels of danger and America’s legal system braces for impact, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) sits down with the show’s resident legal heavyweight Asha Rangappa (FBI veteran, Yale professor, Substack baller) for an unfiltered, expert breakdown of the legal issues and headlines setting America aflame. Asha returns to help us parse Trump’s escalating and dange...

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377. Former Senator Jon Tester. Can The Dems Win on Epstein? Schumer’s No Shaq. Saudi F-35s - China’s Backdoor. I Remember Kent State. Poor Taste: Trump Dines with the Ultra Rich. Is Montana’s Future Independent? Farms, Basketball & Life After The Senate.

November 19, 2025 • 52 mins

Former Montana senator and podcast host Jon Tester joins Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a candid, no-bullshit conversation about the state of American democracy, national security, and the urgent need for integrity in politics. From revelations about the Epstein files to concerns about U.S. military sales and deep division in D.C., Jon shares unfiltered perspectives rooted in years of service—and grounded in Montana farmland. ...

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376. Tom Bowman. NPR Pentagon Reporter. Is Trump Winning His War On Media? Reporting vs Stenography. Venezuela: The Table Is Set. Gen. Hal Moore’s Lessons. Impact of Huge Cuts at NPR & PBS. Are Seattle & NYC Trump’s Next Targets? Ukraine Soccer Inspires.

November 18, 2025 • 45 mins

Legendary NPR Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman returns to Independent Americans for a timely, unflinching conversation about war, truth, journalism, and the future of our democracy. Hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), this episode pulls back the curtain on major national security stories the mainstream press can’t or won’t cover—from the White House’s escalating battle against independent media, to looming military action i...

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375. Kevin Baron. Countdown to Conflict in Venezuela. Pieces In Place for a Showdown. US Marines in Shootout in Haiti. Manosphere Monday: Fearless Fathering. Teaching Kids Chaos is the New Normal. Ivy Football Stunner, Landman & F1’s Surprising Finale.

November 17, 2025 • 58 mins

On this explosive daily drop, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes national security reporting innovator, dad of three boys, and former head of Defense One, Kevin Baron for an unfiltered conversation on the looming military showdown in Venezuela, unpredictable moves by the Trump administration, Pentagon power grabs, and the chaos among America’s allies. Baron offers his rare perspective as a father, ...

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374. Venezuela Boat Strikes are Trump’s WMD. Vets Week Wrap Up: Democrats Falling for Trump’s Headfakes. 70% of Americans Don’t Want War with Venezuela. End of an Era - MSNBC Becomes MSNow. Football Friday, Jameis Winston and Thanksgiving is Coming!

November 14, 2025 • 22 mins

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) wraps a tense, emotional Veterans Week with a no-holds-barred, guest-free episode—breaking down urgent national security issues, political accountability, and the looming prospect of military conflict in Venezuela. Drawing from his week traveling, deep connections to the veteran community, and decades of political activism and media, Paul brings listeners a timely, candid f...

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373. On Venezuela: Show Me the Dope with Henry Rollins. The Cost of War and the Power of Art. The Fight for the Soul of America. Don’t Mess with Banksy. The Wisdom of Bob. Lessons from Walter Reed and the USO. What Losing the East Wing Really Represents.

November 13, 2025 • 55 mins

We’re back with part two of Paul Rieckhoff’s (@PaulRieckhoff) epic conversation with punk rock icon, activist, and truth-teller Henry Rollins in this raw, urgent, and fiercely independent discussion of the true cost of war, creative protest, and the power of showing up. From the lessons of helping injured veterans to finding hope through art and community, Henry pulls no punches as he shares his experience, challenges the powerful,...

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372. It’s Time To Bring Back Punk Rock with Henry Rollins. A Constant State of Protest. I Hate the Division. Like a Vial of Nitro. Following Joan Jett into a Hot Zone. Minor Threat, Fugazi and How Punk Rock Fought Nazis. Henry on Fetterman’s Wardrobe.

November 12, 2025 • 48 mins

We’ve got a special Veterans Week treat for this episode as Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes back legendary artist, activist, and punk rock icon Henry Rollins for a fiercely honest conversation about division in America, the state of democracy, and the enduring need for vigilance. From stories of Rollins's global travels to his reflections on what it truly means to be punk—and patriotic—in 2025, you’ll get an unfiltered loo...

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371. Kristen Rouse. This Veterans Day Feels Different. Beyond the Parades. IHOP, Bloomin’ Onions & Free Stuff. A Rare Day of Unity in America. Are Vets Now in the Rear View? Teaching our Kids About All of This. Independent Veterans are Ready to Lead.

November 11, 2025 • 45 mins

On this special Veterans Day episode, Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) sits down with renowned veterans advocate Kristen Rouse for a candid, timely, and moving conversation. With honesty and heart, Paul and Kristen break down how Veterans Day 2025 feels different—exploring the evolving challenges, divisions, threats, and opportunities facing America’s veterans and those who support them. From celebrations ...

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370. General Mark Hertling. Dissecting The Democrat Shutdown Strategy. Veterans Week Special: Why Hegseth and Trump Are Firing So Many Generals. Why We Need 1M Drones. Army Women’s Hoops, Referee Role Models and Rieckhoff Gets a Super Bowl Ring.

November 10, 2025 • 57 mins

Retired U.S. Army General Mark Hertling returns for a must-hear conversation with host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), just in time for Veterans Day and the Marine Corps birthday. As America faces political gridlock, rising division, a historic government shutdown, and critical questions about military readiness, Gen. Hertling offers hard-hitting analysis and real-world leadership lessons that matter now more than ever. Dive deep ...

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369. Joy Taylor. Things are F**king Hard Right Now. Sports & Politics Collide Again. Mental Health, Suicide & Sadness. How Trump Uses Sports Culture. Football Friday: Is Anyone in the NFL Great? Shutdown Cancels NFL Veterans Day. Football Saved My Life.

November 7, 2025 • 65 mins

Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes back the dynamic, outspoken sports and culture powerhouse Joy Taylor (@joytaylortalks) for a raw, timely, and uplifting Football Friday. In an America buffeted by division, a government shutdown, and mounting mental health struggles, Joy and Paul unpack the meaning behind vulnerability, authenticity, sports as society’s mirror, and the persistent magic of hope. Wi...

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368. Jim VandeHei. Venezuela War Powers Act Vote. Can Congress Finally Stop Trump on Something? The Shutdown Slams Vets & National Security. Axios Leadership Lessons Learned. Being a Good Leader. Diaper Diplomacy, Fatherhood & 6 Rules for the Modern Man.

November 6, 2025 • 44 mins

Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) welcomes dynamic, influential and highly-successful (yet humble) Axios CEO Jim VandeHei (@JimVandeHei) for an unfiltered look at the election aftermath, democracy’s crossroads, and how Americans can reclaim control from broken institutions and divisive algorithms. And they also dig into the potential expansion of Trump’s military strikes on Venezuela, whether a vote this week from Congress ...

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