Author: admin

If you’ve listened to this show over the years, chances are that you’ve heard our guest. If you haven’t, get ready for a solid dose of the straight up good stuff. Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is back for the annual 9/11 episode and this one hits hard. Host and founder Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) was there at Ground Zero on 9/11. So was Rob. It was famously his first day on the job. Yes, you read that right, his first day as a New York City firefighter was Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. 

They didn’t meet then, but they were both there and it’s played a massive role in their lives and indeed in the lives of every American. If you weren’t alive then, it’s hard to explain how much the world has changed as a result (more on that in the podcast). But they were there. In the middle of all of the destruction. And listening to them discuss what happened then and what has happened since can teach us all about what it means to be an American— the good and the bad. And as the country experiences the staggering effects of more political violence, and seems more divided than ever, this is a conversation everyone needs to listen to and absorb.

It’s a gut-check on a nation grappling with its past and its future. It’s a raw, authentic conversation about service, sacrifice, and the enduring fight for those who ran toward the fire and the driving call behind why we must always stay vigilant.

Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) 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. 

Go Deeper:

Hear Paul’s full conversation with Rob Serra from Episode 2 of Independent Americans.

Hear Rob’s full conversation with Richard Naviasky from Episode 1 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.).

Hear Rob’s full conversation with Joseph Cammarata from Episode 2 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.).

Hear Rob’s full conversation with Al Barry from Episode 15 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.).

Hear Rob’s full conversation with Lila Nordstrom from Episode 14 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.).

-WATCH video of Paul and Rob’s conversation.

-Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates. 

-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:

If you’ve listened to this show over the years, chances are that you’ve heard our guest. If you haven’t, get ready for a solid dose of the straight up good stuff. Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is back for the annual 9/11 episode and this one hits hard. Host and founder Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) was there at… Continue reading Episode 351. Rob Serra, FDNY (Ret.). The Annual 9/11 Show. 2025: Has American Forgotten? The Stories, The Heroes, The Controversies, The Politicization, The Never Ending Fight For Healthcare, And The Mission To Teach The Next Generation.

We’ve got one last look back before we plunge into the future. This week we’re taking it way, way back to Episode 26 with the amazing inventor Dean Kamen. From Episode 26 – September 26, 2019: Dean Kamen is one of the greatest inventors of our time. He invented the Segway, the first drug infusion… Continue reading 350. Dean Kamen (Replay). Inventing iBOTs, Segways and Scooters. The Wheelchair of the Future. Inside DARPA. Using Robots To Build Kids. Revenge of the Nerds.

Our summer break continues as we knock out our housekeeping and get things ready for a busy fall. And before we get back to all new episodes we’ve got another great look back at a favorite with the great actor Jeffrey Wright. He digs into his role on WestWorld, his time in Hollywood and the… Continue reading 349. Jeffrey Wright (Replay). Westworld and COVID19. Fighting the Virus in Brooklyn. Rallying for Restaurants. Ebola in Sierra Leone. The Slave Behind Jack Daniels Whiskey. 

Our August break continues and we’re throwing it way back to Episode 34 with Aaron Mankin. A true American hero, Aaron Menken joined Paul Rieckhoff at the Classic Car Club in New York for an incredibly powerful conversation. Having survived a catastrophic IED explosion in Iraq that left him with severe burns and countless injuries… Continue reading 348. Aaron Mankin (Replay). Losing Your Face in Combat. Debating Sara Huckabee Sanders in High School. How to Survive 70 Surgeries. Aaron’s Playboy Mansion Story. Scars Are Not Forever. Operation Mend. No Excuse Not to Serve.

Our throwback August continues as we go way back to Episode 33 with Paul’s fascinating conversation with the sole living Medal of Honor Recipient from the Iraq War. It’s a hell of a distinction–and a hell of a conversation. Take some time and listen to this timeless talk about war, humanity and the drive to… Continue reading 347. David Bellavia (Replay). The Sole Living Medal of Honor Recipient of the Iraq War. Combat is Not Like The Movies. Who’s A Bigger Threat – Libertarians or Liberals? Time Does Not Heal All Wounds. Live the Life You’re Supposed to Live.

Our August break is continuing with a replay of one of our favorite chats we’ve ever recorded. This one is really fun.  Over the next few weeks we’ll be re-sharing conversations with some of our favorite guests as they share their stories of independence, integrity, information, inspiration and definitely impact. We’re kicking the series off… Continue reading 346. Sam Bee (Replay). The Kurds are Being Slaughtered. Democrats Debate Again. The Middle East Jenga Game. Sam Bee at The DMV. The Daily Show Reunion Tour. Fighting Back with Comedy. Djibouti and Naugahyde.

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… Continue reading 345. Stephen Colbert. Replay with the American Icon. Taking on Trump, The Supreme Court Battle, Breonna Taylor, Leadership After Loss, Stephen’s Dog Eating Ai Weiwei’s Art, Joking in the Face of Fear, Laughing at the Devil.

What’s it like behind the scenes of the independent movement? What does the future look like and who will be the candidates that emerge as leaders of the movement? They’re important questions we’ve explored now for years and this week we’ve got a rare opportunity to share with you, the true independent Americans.This week, our… Continue reading 344. Live From DC. The Independent Center’s Independent Voice Conference. Hear From Independent Candidates for Office From Around the Country Featuring: Idaho’s Todd Achilles, California’s Ethan Penner and Tennessee’s Khalil Ekulona.

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… Continue reading 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.