Épisodes

  • 343. Dan Osborn. The Independent Vet Is Running Again In Nebraska. The Mechanic vs The Billionaire. Agreeing With Tucker Carlson. Ukraine’s Support Grows. Who’s Your Favorite Ninja Turtle? Coach Youman Wilder - A True Helper. Look Out for the Youngsters.
    Jul 17 2025
    The summer of 2025 has been a time of chaos. A time of confusion. And a time of distress for many Americans. But for independent Americans it’s been a little bit different. In between all of the moments of turmoil have been glimmers of hope, a chance at a better future. And that better future is being driven by independents. From Jim Walden’s upstart mayoral campaign in New York City to the Badlands of South Dakota and Brian Bengs’ renegade Senate run, to last episode’s guest from the great state of Idaho, Todd Achilles — there’s been a lot coming from independents to get excited about. And now there’s more! Independent Navy vet Dan Osborn (@OsbornForSenate) is back in the fight. And this time, he’s running against Nebraska’s other MAGA Republican Senator billionaire: Pete Ricketts. It’s the ultimate David vs Goliath showdown. And this time, Dan’s got some experience, a network, name recognition and is hitting the ground running. Dan served in the Navy and later joined the Army National Guard. He’s a steamfitter, industrial mechanic, and a badass labor union leader. He led a successful strike at Kellogg's Omaha plant in 2021. And ran for Senate in 2024–narrowly losing to incumbent Deb Fischer. But at the same time, Dan laid down the foundation for this run while inspiring a new generation of independent leaders across the country. His race was a direct challenge to the party system and it showed everyone a new way to run—and offered a new vision for what a political race can look like. If you’ve listened to the show for a while now, you’ll know Dan and what he’s meant to the movement. If you’re new here, get ready to get fired up. In the immortal words of Vin Diesel, “We live for this….” Stuff. And there’s more as your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into Ukraine, Waltz, SignalGate, Hegseth and all of the latest national security news that you need to stay on top of. And a megadose of inspiration with a quick hit on Youman Wilder—a New York City little league coach that stood up to ICE and has inspired millions. 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. -Learn more about Dan Osborn and his race on his campaign website. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -WATCH video of Paul and Dan’s conversation. -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
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    45 min
  • 342. Todd Achilles. Independent Veteran for Senate in Idaho. National Parks Under Attack. Dan Osborn is Running Again. Trump Threatens to Bomb Moscow. Russia Sanctions Bill Finally Coming. VA’s Cutting 30K. The Fight for Open Primaries is Rolling in NYC.
    Jul 10 2025
    Things are hot in America this summer. And they’re only getting hotter. The VA is cutting 30,000 jobs, Trump is threatening to bomb Moscow and Beijing, Hegseth is doing Hegseth things at the Pentagon, and New York City is hovering around one hundred degrees while a socialist is leading in the polls for Mayor. Shit is toasty and it’s only gonna get hotter. And your host Paul Rieckhoff is here to tear into all of it with a cool head and light to contrast the heat of the mayhem, spin and partisanship. And as the mayor's race in New York continues to heat up and show how broken America’s politics and two parties are, there’s some news for 2026 that is a contrast to the crazy. Independent vet Dan Osborn has announced he’s again running for US Senate in Nebraska—and after a historic showing as an independent last year, he’s hitting the ground running. That now makes three independent vet candidates for Senate running next year. You’ve already heard from Brian Bengs in Episode 334 and we’re pretty sure you’ll be hearing from Dan in short order. But today we’ve got the third candidate, and he’s one that might just make the most noise. Because he left the Democratic Party and announced his run as an independent just before July 4th. He’s more evidence of the move away from the parties and towards the independent movement. He’s Todd Achilles, independent veteran candidate for Senate from the great state of Idaho. He grew up on a family farm, served in the U.S. Army as a tank commander and armor officer and led teams at T-Mobile, Hewlett-Packard, and several start-ups. He’s now a teacher and advocate for veterans and is running to fight for fair markets and livable wages for all Idahoans. And he’s a moderate, common-sense, patriotic, strong breath of fresh air. It’s the kind of campaign we love to see and the kind of candidate we love to share with you—the real independent Americans. Things are heating up in the independent movement from the push for open primaries to the wave of new candidates. And a lot of it is thanks to the listeners of this show. So let’s keep it going with another installment of our groundbreaking and unique “Meet The Independents” series. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 342. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. -WATCH video of Paul and Todd’s conversation. -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. Help us continue the fight to empower all independents by passing open primaries: And the fight for open primaries nationwide: https://openprimaries.org/ -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 min
  • 341. Congressman Mike Lawler. Independents Day 2025. What Mamdani Means. The Weakness of the GOP in NY. Will He Run For Governor? The AUMF Must Go. Ukraine Sanctions Bill Update. Vets Need Bi-Partisan Support —Especially Now. Happy Birthday, America!
    Jul 3 2025
    It’s the Fourth of July, and she might be a little dinged up, but after 249 years, America is still standing. And she will keep standing as long as there are independent Americans out there to stay vigilant and ensure that the torch that Lady Liberty holds high above her head as a beacon for all stays lit. And this show will always stay vigilant. Especially on Independence Day. Or INDEPENDENTS Day! It’s a time for us all to reflect on what independence really means. And explore who will stand up now and fight for it. Men and women of all backgrounds—united in a love for America. And a dedication to making it better. Men and women like the fine residents of New York’s 17th that are represented by this episode's guest. He’s Republican Congressman Mike Lawler—and he’s here to mix it up with Paul and react to the New York mayor’s race, Ukraine, the AUMF, Trump’s Iran strikes, the dropping popularity of his party, and his support for veterans. He’s been effective in representing a rare moderate perspective inside the GOP. It’s how he has won in a 2 to 1 Democrat district. And how he might try and win the New York governor’s seat next year. It’s America’s birthday and after the start to this year, we could all use a break. So put your feet up, kick back and press play. Listen now or watch us on YouTube. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 341. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. -WATCH video of Paul and Congressman Lawler’s conversation. -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. Help us continue the fight to empower all independents by passing open primaries: And the fight for open primaries nationwide: https://openprimaries.org/ -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 min
  • 340. Senator Angus King. The Only Real Independent US Senator? Trump Bombs Iran. Now the Spin Begins. Can The Senate Stop Him? The Spirit of Joshua Chamberlain. Socialist Mamdani Wins NYC’s Rigged Primary. 1M Independents Blocked Out. The OKC Example.
    Jun 26 2025
    Trump has bombed Iran. And now, the spin and politics is accelerating faster than a B-2 bomber. And a political bomb dropped on NYC this week as 33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani conquered Andrew Cuomo and a cluttered Democratic primary. Now, he’ll take on a wacky Republican radio host, the compromised disaster that is Eric Adams, maybe Cuomo (ugh), and true independent and recent guest on this program, Jim Walden. But there’s also a big, largely-unreported story of what this really means for NYC and America. And about how 1M independents didn’t get a shot to be heard. Paul Rieckhoff is quickly tearing into it while barreling through a heatwave. And, he has a fantastic and fascinating conversation with perhaps the most powerful independent in America. Maine maverick Senator Angus King is not a Democrat or a Republican. But he is a true independent and a powerful voice of patriotism and conscience in Washington. He joins the show for the first time and shares his views on Trump’s Iran bombing campaign, his efforts to expand his power and the use of the military, and lays out how and if the Senate can do anything to slow him down. And, why he so strongly supports Ukraine—and shares a status update on the Senator Lindsey Graham-led Russia sanctions legislation. And for our Patreon members, there’s some extra content including the Senator's favorite Maine drink, his first car and what’s playing on his playlist. It’s smart, respectful, charming and inspiring. Everything that our divisive news and politics in Washington is not. It’s the kind of conversation you can only find on this show. And it’s the latest in our “Meet the Independents” series following other Independent leaders like Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, independent candidate for Senate from South Dakota Brian Bengs, Independent candidate for Mayor of New York Jim Walden and Chattanooga, Tennessee Mayor Tim Kelly. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 340. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. -WATCH video of Paul and Senator King’s conversation. -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. Help us continue the fight to empower all independents by passing open primaries: In NYC: https://www.nycopenprimary.com/ And in NYC and nationwide with info from Unite America: https://www.uniteamerica.org/articles/1-in-5-nyc-voters-wont-have-a-say-in-choosing-the-next-mayor And the fight for open primaries nationwide: https://openprimaries.org/ -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 min
  • 339. Sebastian Junger. America at the Breaking Point. Trump Blowing Through Every Red Line. 2,000 More Troops to LA. Will Trump Bomb Iran? The Golden Rule of American War. Props to Everyone After No Kings. Ukraine Is Still Happening. Ice Cream and Grads.
    Jun 19 2025
    Summer is officially here and things are getting hot. Too hot. From the assassination of state legislators in Minnesota last week to a potential hot war with Iran to more and more troops deployed into American streets, this is one of the tensest times anyone can remember. And in tense times it’s good to get a little perspective. And we’ve got the perfect guest to dish it out. Sebastian Junger returns and he’s not holding anything back. He’s been on the show five times and he’s one of host Paul Rieckhoff’s favorite conversations every time. The best selling author and award winning documentary film maker returns to tear into all of the latest news and headlines. From LA to Ukraine and everywhere in between. It’s an honest and heartfelt deep dive into what it means to be a man, a dad, a patriot and an American in 2025. It’s a wide ranging discussion and it’s the kind of content you can only get here. America is at a crossroads. Conversations like this can help us pick the right path forward. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Sebastian’s previous appearances: Episode 310 - Dec. 5, 2024 Episode 250 - Nov. 9, 2023 Episode 207 - Jan. 25, 2023 Episode 116 - May. 27, 2021 Episode 100 - Feb. 4, 2021 -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates. -WATCH video of Paul and Sebastian’s conversation. -NEW! Watch video of the full episode. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch. -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Ways to listen:Social channels: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 3 min
  • 338. Barbara Starr. The Battle of Los Angeles. I Tried to Tell You All. Trump Sends Guard and Federal Troops into LA. What Red State Governors Will Do. This is Putin and Bin Laden’s Dream. And Trump’s Military Parade Is This Weekend.
    Jun 12 2025
    We’re only six months into Trump 2.0 and things are getting bad fast. He was looking for a fight. And he found it. Unrest in Los Angeles has been met with a mobilization of troops that few predicted. But your host, Paul Rieckhoff, did. For five years we’ve been sounding the alarm. Thinking the unthinkable—that has often come true. From COVID, to Trump refusing to leave office, to the January 6th insurrection, to armed violence and now troops in the streets—-this is one episode you can’t afford to miss. And in times like these you need to hear from voices of experience, voices of calm, and voices of reason. Barbara Starr is all that and more and she joins Paul for a no bullshit look at where we are—and where we are going. She’s a renowned journalist, an Emmy award winning producer, and a former CNN Pentagon correspondent. She spent 21 years reporting from hotspots including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, the Horn of Africa and the Chinese-North Korean border and is one of the most recognizable faces in conflict reporting. She’s reported extensively on fallen and wounded troops, as well as the plight of homeless veterans. She’s seen and covered it all. She’s one of the best in the business and there isn’t anybody else we’d rather talk to about all of it. So as the world turns increasingly chaotic and dangerous, take a couple minutes to listen to this conversation, get yourself smarter and get ready for what comes next. Buckle up. And welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 338. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. -Watch Barbara’s previous appearance in episode 308. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates. -WATCH video of Paul and Barbara’s conversation. -NEW! Watch video of the full episode. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch. -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 min
  • 337. Mayor Tim Kelly. The Independent Mayor Of Chattanooga. Trump’s Extreme New Recruiting Ad. Elon Is Leaving DC. Hegseth Attacks The USNS Harvey Milk During Pride. Vets Rally In DC. Open Primaries Update. NBA Finals Predictions. Ukraine & Baseball.
    Jun 5 2025
    America needs leaders. And leaders are in short supply. That seems to be the case in Washington at least. Whether it’s Pete Hegseth’s ongoing hateful attacks on the LGBTQ service members under his command or his self aggrandizing ad or the ongoing chaos at the Pentagon, none of it is efficient and none of it is making any of us any safer. America needs leaders. They’re out there. And more and more frequently they aren’t claiming either political party. Independent leaders we’ve profiled in recent episodes. Independent leaders like Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, independent candidate for Senate from South Dakota Brian Bengs, Independent candidate for Mayor of New York Jim Walden. The future is independent—and chances are good that you’re going to hear from those leaders of the future here, first. That includes Chattanooga, Tennessee Mayor Tim Kelly. He’s just gotten reelected for a second term by a huge margin. And that’s in large part because he’s getting hard things done. Housing, crime, community relations and making the trains run on time. And, fixing potholes! He’s also bringing business, international sports and excitement to this important crossroads American city. Much of what Kelly had been doing and saying in Chattanooga could be a model for the rest of America. And he could be running for higher office one day down the line. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 337. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. -Learn more about Mayor Kelly’s One Chattanooga plan. -WATCH video of Paul and Mayor Kelly’s conversation. -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Watch Paul on MSNBC with the top pitcher for Ukraine’s national baseball team that is touring the US now. -Visit AmericanVeteransForUkraine.org and join the fight. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h et 1 min
  • 336. Mayor Yemi Mobolade. The Independent Immigrant Mayor in the Crosshairs of Trump’s Immigration Crackdowns. Trump’s Golden…Dome. Another Attack on Jews. Senator Redneck for Governor? GOP Pressure on Ukraine Increases. Help Honor Baby Bronx Payne.
    May 29 2025
    Summer is almost officially here and things are already heating up. From the increasing pressure from Republicans to back Ukraine (a massive win for everyone) to Trump’s new half-baked “Golden Dome” defense system to another horrific antisemitic attack on two Israeli embassy staffers in DC, your fearless and always independent host Paul Rieckhoff has you covered. And as the onslaught of crazy news continues to drop, it’s easy to lose sight of the wins. To forget about the small victories that keep you during the hard times. And so it seemed like the perfect moment to bring back a returning champion. He’s one of the most prominent independents in the country—and his national profile is continuing to grow. Mayor Yemi Mobolade is back and he’s here to check in and let you know how it’s going—and what he thinks about the future of the movement and the challenges and opportunities the times are presenting. It’s a deep look at the state of the independent movement, at what is happening in cities nationwide as Trump continues to expand his reach (especially on immigration), and maybe most importantly, at what is possible for independent political leaders. It’s the kind of conversation you’re only going to get here. Welcome to the beginning of the Summer of 2025. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 336. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. Previous appearances by Mayor Mobolade: Episode 228 - June 22, 2023 and Episode 277 - April 28, 2024 -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. -WATCH video of Paul and Yemi’s conversation. -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Be a helper and help honor the inspiring life of Baby Bronx. -Visit AmericanVeteransForUkraine.org and join the fight. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 min